Remit
The remit of MG ALBA (the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig or Gaelic Media Service) under the Communications Act 2003 is to ensure that high quality television programmes in Gaelic are made available to persons in Scotland. In partnership with the BBC, MG ALBA has established BBC ALBA, the Gaelic digital service. Read more about BBC ALBA.
MG ALBA is committed to securing the distribution of BBC ALBA on all digital platforms and a sustainable future for Gaelic broadcasting. MG ALBA also works with producers to promote development, training and the use of Gaelic as the working language of the Gaelic production sector.
Legislation
MG ALBA (the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig or Gaelic Media Service) was established by the Communications Act 2003, Sections 208-210, to ensure that a wide and diverse range of high quality programmes in Gaelic is made available to persons in Scotland by broadcasting or by other means.
MG ALBA is empowered to make programmes and can hold broadcast licences other than those specifically listed in Section 208 (4B) of the Communications Act 2003. It has subsumed funding powers and responsibilities in relation to financing of Gaelic programmes, training, research and related activities under Sections 183 and 184 of the Broadcasting Act 1990, Sections 32 and 95 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 and related Schedules.
Responsibility for funding MG ALBA passed to Scottish Ministers under the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 1999 (SI 1999 No. 1750).
Click here to view sections of the Communications Act 2003 which relate to MG ALBA (Gaelic Media Service).
