BBC ALBA HEAD OF CONTENT SET FOR NEW ROLE AT TG4

MG ALBA today paid tribute to Alan Esslemont, BBC ALBA’s head of content, who has been appointed Director-General of TG4, the Irish language TV channel.

Donald Campbell, chief executive of MG ALBA, said: “Alan has made an outstanding contribution to MG ALBA and BBC ALBA over the last eight years and we wish him well as he takes on an exciting new challenge with TG4.

“From BBC ALBA’s first night on air, Alan and his team have implemented a strategy that has been carefully devised in order that our channel would appeal to our core audience of Gaelic speakers and also attract a wider audience that would experience and enjoy the language and Gaelic culture.

“We are delighted that such a strategy has made BBC ALBA the success it is today and we thank Alan who played an important part in making it happen.

“We look forward to building on that strong foundation, and ensuring that with our partner the BBC, the channel continues to go from strength to strength.”

Ken MacQuarrie, the BBC’s Director, Scotland said: “Alan was central to the launch and subsequent successful development of BBC ALBA and he has been a passionate supporter of Gaelic broadcasting. His drive and enthusiasm have brought BBC ALBA viewers a wide variety of high quality programmes across Factual, Music, Drama and Sport over the past eight years. He’s been instrumental in forging an excellent working relationship between BBC Scotland and MG ALBA and we’ll miss him as he heads off to lead the Irish language broadcaster TG4. We wish him well for the future.”