WIDE-RANGING POLITICAL SUPPORT FOR GAELIC BROADCASTING WELCOMED BY MG ALBA

MG ALBA, the Gaelic media service, said today that political support for Gaelic broadcasting remains wide-ranging and strong and is vital during the BBC Charter Review process.

Parliamentary motions paying tribute to the success of Gaelic broadcasting are being submitted in the House of Commons and in the Scottish Parliament this week and include support for efforts to secure a commitment to increasing the amount of original programming made for BBC ALBA.

Donald Campbell, chief executive of MG ALBA, said: “It is clear that our request for increased BBC investment in BBC ALBA as part of the new BBC Royal Charter is gaining support from across the political spectrum and it is greatly appreciated and welcome.

“Gaelic and Gaelic broadcasting has a history of enjoying cross-party support and it is gratifying to see that support remain so strong at a crucially important time.”

MG ALBA has urged the BBC to make a commitment to increasing the amount of original programming made for BBC ALBA from 4.5 hours per week to 10 hours – to achieve parity with the Welsh TV channel, S4C. At present MG ALBA commissions work from 20 independent production companies based in Scotland.

Donald Campbell added: “Put simply, we need the additional programming for BBC ALBA to thrive and progress. It is our belief that the BBC are listening – we hope that the parliamentary support being demonstrated through the Early Day Motion at Westminster, and the Motion at Holyrood, will help the BBC further understand the case for increased BBC investment in Gaelic broadcasting, as part of a consistent, considered approach to the UK’s minority languages.”