Alongside our specific call-out for GAA-related programming, if you have ideas for other Sports documentary type programmes for either RTÉ One or RTÉ2 or have a gem of an idea for a series that you think we might be interested in, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Alongside our specific call-out for GAA-related programming, if you have ideas for other Sports documentary type programmes for either RTÉ One or RTÉ2 or have a gem of an idea for a series that you think we might be interested in, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We ask, in the first instance, that producers submit ideas into the eCommissioning system  Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) system under the programme category Sport “General ”.

RTÉ is now seeking proposals for Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision – Round 60 – Shared Island Shared Stories, to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language.

Closing date for submissions to be considered for RTÉ support in Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision – Round 60 is Friday 15 May 2026 at 12.00 noon (strict deadline).

All submissions must include the full production budget, proposed RTÉ funding and other third party funding in RTÉ’s eCommissioning system.

Please note only proposals submitted through RTÉ’s eCommissioning system will be considered.

We ask, in the first instance, that producers submit ideas into the eCommissioning system: Login | RTE under the programme category “Programme Genre - CnaM Round 60 Share Island”, before the above closing date and time.

CnaM Sound & Vision Rd 60 – dates for RTÉ supported programmes

RTÉ call-out opens:                                       Friday 10 April 2026

RTÉ call-out closes:                                      Friday 15 May 2026, 12 noon (strict deadline)

RTÉ decision on successful applicants:       Friday 05 June 2026

CnaM Rd 60 closes:                                     Thursday 02 July 2026, 12 noon

The RTÉ timelines are designed to give supported applicants ample time to prepare and submit detailed applications to Coimisiún na Meán. For more information, please visit www.cnam.ie.

The new ‘Shared Island Shared Stories’ funding round will fund programming that supports a shared future, promotes cultural exchange and celebrates the diverse heritage of the island. For more information please use the following link Shared Home Place.

Please ensure you are fully registered on the eCommissioning System well before the closing date, as registrations can take up to 48 hours to process. Late submissions due to late registration will not be accepted.

History of the Fund

In November 2016, RTÉ and ARTE G.E.I.E., the Strasbourg branch of the Franco-German public broadcaster ARTE, joined forces to develop and co-fund exceptional documentary projects, aiming to bring more Irish content to European audiences. Since then, ARTE G.E.I.E. and RTÉ have invested in a diverse range of Irish documentaries covering factual topics, current affairs, history, and the arts. The collaboration between ARTE commissioning editors and Irish production companies has flourished, creating numerous opportunities for Irish creative talent.

Practical Information

The fund operates on a rolling basis, with projects being developed and funded continuously. We seek standout single documentaries that have secured development or broadcast commitments from an RTÉ Commissioning Editor, which can then be pitched to ARTE’s specific documentary strands. Most documentaries for ARTE are 52 minutes long and do not include commercial breaks. The RTÉ version of the programme should be a 50 minute duration with two commercial breaks as agreed with the RTÉ Commissioning Editor.

RTÉ and ARTE welcome ideas from all genres, including Factual, Specialist Factual, Science and Natural Science, History, Archaeology and Human Endeavour, Current Affairs/Geopolitics, and Arts, Culture, and Music. We are particularly interested in compelling Irish stories with international appeal, whether they focus on ancient or contemporary history, arts, or society/current affairs. Ambitious factual, specialist factual, and arts documentaries that resonate with both Irish and European audiences are highly valued.

Given that ARTE documentaries are broadcast in multiple territories, projects led by voiceovers that can be revoiced in several languages are preferred. Presenter-led documentaries or series are generally not suitable for ARTE, except in rare cases where the presenter is a global icon, such as Angelica Huston on Joyce by Blueprint Films.

Completed projects must be delivered to ARTE 6-8 weeks before the broadcast date to allow time for translation, subtitling, and revoicing in French and German, as well as Polish, Spanish, and Italian for on-demand services. The costs for revoicing and subtitling are covered by ARTE and should not be included in the programme production budgets.

How To Apply

Production companies interested in submitting a programme proposal for the fund should initially submit their proposal through RTÉ’s e-Commissioning system Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) . Indicate that the idea is suitable for co-production with ARTE and provide information on any other third-party funders if applicable. If the proposal is approved for further consideration, Sarah Ryder, RTÉ’s ARTE lead, will present it to the relevant ARTE commissioning executives.

Further information

For more details on the RTÉ / ARTE G.E.I.E. co-production fund, please contact Sarah Ryder at sarah.ryder@rte.ie.