An overview of NI creative media industry
Key facts about Northern Ireland's creative media sector, broadcasting opportunities, and support for small businesses and freelancers.
Northern Ireland hosts a vibrant creative media cluster serving global clients in animation, VFX, audio tech, mobile content, e-learning, gaming, and music.
The sector spans:
- TV, film and radio
- interactive media
- animation and computer games
- photo imaging
- advertising and publishing
The animation sector is particularly strong in NI, supported by specialised graduate and undergraduate courses in computer animation for games, VFX, feature and TV animation.
Creative media opportunities
Opportunities exist for small production companies and freelancers, including:
- writers, presenters, producers, directors
- camera operators, sound engineers, editors
- digital content producers for TV show websites and apps
For some years, TV in the UK has been undergoing a period of change that has led to a growth in the number of smaller independent production companies. Many popular TV shows now have interactive elements and websites, which has created many opportunities for new media businesses.
Find support for the creative and interactive media sector in Northern Ireland.
Broadcasting opportunities
The UK has over 500 radio stations, some of which are operated by public charter, and others are independent. Some broadcast regionally, others broadcast nationally.
Businesses wishing to advertise on commercial TV or radio in the UK can contact the stations for a media pack to find out more about audience demographics and rates. You can find audience figures at other sources such as the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board (BARB) and Radio Joint Audience Research (RAJAR).
Those who work in broadcasting also need to be aware of legislation relating to taste and decency, and slander/defamation and discrimination. The Office of Communications (Ofcom) is the UK regulatory body for the media and telecommunications industry.