Press release
Tánaiste announces relaunch of the Simon Cumbers Media Fund
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin TD today announced the relaunch of the Simon Cumbers Media Fund, which supports journalists and media organisations to report on issues of global development.
The announcement comes on the 20th anniversary of Simon Cumbers’ death. The Irish journalist was killed while working for the BBC in Saudi Arabia on 6 June 2004.
The Tánaiste said:
“The Simon Cumbers Media Fund played a vital role in supporting journalists in Ireland to report on some of the biggest challenges facing our world. Having been paused during the pandemic, we are delighted to today announce the relaunch of the fund. It is particularly fitting to relaunch the fund today on the 20th anniversary of Simon’s death. The fund is a fitting tribute to his memory.”
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming TD, said:
“The Simon Cumbers Media Fund supports public discussion and understanding of global issues. It has never been more important for people to be equipped with information to help them understand the world in which they live. By relaunching the Simon Cumbers Media Fund, we will support journalists to report on big issues such as climate change, human rights and ongoing efforts to improve healthcare and education globally.”
Bronagh Cumbers, Simon’s mother, said:
"Today brings back the great memories of Simon who had his life cut short while doing the work he loved for the BBC. I miss his booming voice about the house as he recalled his many adventures travelling the world and his telephone calls from faraway places. The Simon Cumbers Media Fund has played a very important part in keeping his memory fresh in the minds of his colleagues and has assisted hundreds of journalists and students since it was launched in 2005. I am very grateful to Irish Aid for supporting the Fund in Simon's memory."
The Simon Cumbers Media Fund is an initiative of Irish Aid. The 2024 funding round for the Simon Cumbers Media Fund will launch this summer. Further details will be announced in due course. For further queries related to the Simon Cumbers Media Fund, please visit ireland.ie/simoncumbers or contact DHR Communications on info@dhr.ie.
ENDS
Press Office
6 June 2024