Why is television so important for Gaelic?
Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 11:05 am
Litir a nochd sa Hearald
January 15, 2011
Why is television so important for Gaelic?
Jim McKenzie complains about the BBC Trust s decision to remove 13 radio
stations from Freeview to make way for the Gaelic television channel, BBC Alba
(Letters, January 10).
It is clear that the BBC Trust based their decision, following extensive and
prolonged consultation, on the public value of the service. There is strong and
consistent demand for the high quality news, sport, documentary and children s
programmes offered by BBC Alba..
Freeview, as the name suggests, is primarily a television platform and the Trust
is clear that each of the radio services affected can still be accessed on
various other platforms. What isn t yet clear is how an enhanced television
service will help Gaelic. It is precisely because Gaelic is an endangered
language that it needs investment in infrastructure. However, the contribution
of television to revitalising the language has never been explained and the lack
of investment in adult literacy and print media remains a mystery.
John Angus Mackay, the boss of the Gaelic development body, Bòrd na Gàidhlig has
been challenged by the grassroots organisation TAIC, to a public debate on
official plans for the language. With an OBE for his services to Gaelic
television he would seem well qualified to explain why television is so
important to Gaelic speakers.
John Campbell,
Oak Cottage, Lynwilg, Aviemore.
January 15, 2011
Why is television so important for Gaelic?
Jim McKenzie complains about the BBC Trust s decision to remove 13 radio
stations from Freeview to make way for the Gaelic television channel, BBC Alba
(Letters, January 10).
It is clear that the BBC Trust based their decision, following extensive and
prolonged consultation, on the public value of the service. There is strong and
consistent demand for the high quality news, sport, documentary and children s
programmes offered by BBC Alba..
Freeview, as the name suggests, is primarily a television platform and the Trust
is clear that each of the radio services affected can still be accessed on
various other platforms. What isn t yet clear is how an enhanced television
service will help Gaelic. It is precisely because Gaelic is an endangered
language that it needs investment in infrastructure. However, the contribution
of television to revitalising the language has never been explained and the lack
of investment in adult literacy and print media remains a mystery.
John Angus Mackay, the boss of the Gaelic development body, Bòrd na Gàidhlig has
been challenged by the grassroots organisation TAIC, to a public debate on
official plans for the language. With an OBE for his services to Gaelic
television he would seem well qualified to explain why television is so
important to Gaelic speakers.
John Campbell,
Oak Cottage, Lynwilg, Aviemore.