World Media Awards 2025 information: FOI release

Information requested

Information regarding any potential use of public funds (including Scottish taxpayer money) in relation to the "World Media Awards 2025," organized by the World Media Group (with ceremony on September 18, 2025, at the Ham Yard Hotel, London).

1. Any records, emails, memos, or correspondence (from January 1, 2024, to the present) between the Scottish Government (or its agencies, such as VisitScotland, Creative Scotland, or Brand Scotland) and the World Media Group, its affiliates, or related parties (e.g., sponsors, entrants, or event organizers) discussing involvement in, sponsorship of, entry into, or funding for the World Media Awards 2025.

2. Details of any financial contributions, grants, sponsorships, or expenditures from Scottish public funds (including but not limited to budgets from the Scottish Government, local authorities, or quangos) allocated to the World Media Awards 2025. This should include:

• The total amount provided.
• The purpose of the funding (e.g., promotional campaign, event attendance, or entry submission).
• The source of the funds (e.g., general taxation, National Lottery via Creative Scotland, or tourism promotion budgets).
• Any associated contracts, invoices, or approval documents.

3. If applicable, confirmation of whether any Scottish Government-backed initiatives (e.g., Brand Scotland campaigns similar to the 2023 entry "Scotland: More Than You Thought") were submitted or considered for the 2025 awards, and any costs incurred.

4. A breakdown of any indirect funding or support (e.g., in-kind contributions like staff time, travel, or promotional materials) related to the event.

Response

1. I enclose a copy of correspondence (from January 1, 2024, to the present) between the Scottish Government and the BBC, discussing involvement in the World Media Awards 2025. The Scottish Government had no direct conversations with World Media Awards. The names and email addresses of officials of the Scottish Government have been redacted under Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Section 38 (1) (b) exemption.

2. There were no financial contributions, grants, sponsorships, or expenditures from Scottish public funds allocated to the World Media Awards.

3. The Brand Scotland campaign submitted was the Brand Scotland Campaign for 24-25 and it was entered into the Specialist Categories: Brand & Media Owner Partnership with no costs incurred.

4. No members of the Scottish Government, Brand Scotland team, or partners attended the awards.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500481893 - Information released - Annex

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