BBC ALBA TO MOVE UP THE CHANNEL LISTINGS ON SKY, FREESAT AND FREEVIEW

BBC ALBA is set to move up the electronic programme guide (EPG) listings on Sky, Freesat and Freeview.

The channel will move up one place with the new EPG slots for BBC ALBA being as follows:

• • Sky 142 – from 31st March (old channel number 143)
• • Freesat 109 – from 31st March (old channel number 110)
• • Freeview 7 – from 5th April (old channel number 8)

BBC ALBA will remain on Virgin Media 161 and will continue to be available on BBC iPlayer.

Some viewers may have to retune their equipment to update their on-screen programme guide if changes are not picked up automatically and it is unlikely that programme recordings will be affected.

Other BBC channels will also be moving slots with BBC One HD moving to Sky 115 and Freesat 106, BBC Two moving to Sky 141 and Freesat 108 and BBC Four moving to Sky 143 and Freesat 110.

Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Service at BBC ALBA said: “BBC ALBA has steadily moved up the EPG channel listings since it first aired almost eight years ago and now enjoys prominent positions across each viewing platform. The enhanced listings offer great accessibility for audiences across Scotland to enjoy the channel’s rich and diverse programme content.”

BBC ALBA has been successful in attracting both Gaelic and non-Gaelic viewers, with factual documentaries, popular lifestyle series, music and events coverage, as well as live sports coverage being amongst the most popular genres on the channel. The regular daily schedule of local, national and international news and current affairs content also continues to attract audiences.

New and exciting programmes have been introduced across all genres including the channel’s new drama, Bannan, popular children’s TV programmes including Ceitidh Morag and Ben & Hoilidh, to new sports coverage over the past year including live curling and orienteering championships. Key strands of the channel’s offering remain including Trusadh documentary series, popular music show Port and long standing children’s series ‘Dè a-nis?’. Programmes on the channel are also broadcast for learners of Gaelic and those interested in Gaelic language and culture.

Over 22 production companies produce programme content for BBC ALBA, contributing to and stimulating Scotland’s creative industries.