September 24, 2008
Two-thirds of Scots cannot watch the BBC's new Gaelic channel
THE launch of the long-awaited Gaelic channel, BBC Alba is, of
course, to be greatly welcomed. However, the new channel will be
broadcast only on Freesat and Sky, and not on Freeview, stopping
roughly two-thirds of all Scots from watching the new programmes. The
date for the channel's appearance on Virgin Media's cable services is
yet to be announced.
The delivery method is of key importance to BBC Alba's success.
Because the channel has been tasked by the BBC Trust with attracting
around 250,000 non-Gaelic-speaking viewers each week, yet denied the
most popular method of delivery, the channel is already fighting with
one hand tied behind its back, significantly damaging its ultimate
success. The inclusion of the channel on Freeview will cost a mere
GBP4m and was also a crucial part of the original plan.
The Irish language service TG4 and the Welsh language service S4C are
on Freeview and the fact that BBC Alba is not is just wrong.
The Department of Media, Culture and Sport in Whitehall, and
broadcasting regulator Ofcom, must insist the BBC put the new channel
on Freeview as soon as possible and give this excellent channel the
best start it can.
Alex Orr