Alasdair Morrison, Chair of Gaelic media company, MG Alba has written to thank readers of For Argyll for their support for BBC Alba.

We’re not daft enough to imagine we’re the only media service he’s written to – but it is notably courteous to make contact with your listeners and viewers to recognise their crucial contribution.

It is also necessarily strategic because, as you will see below, BBC Alba will need the support of its audiences to be expressed to the BBC Trust as it deliberates on the future on the service.

Mr Morrison describes BBC Alba as ‘a unique example of public service broadcasting in Scotland’, which it is. We have consistently said that the percentage of shows in its schedules we ourselves would instinctively want to watch is higher than is the case with the major national channels.

What has been a refreshing surprise about BBC Alba’s programming is the extent to which it has not been a Gaelic ghetto. It has often found unusual and quirky subject matter which has nothing to do with Scotland’s Gaelic speaking communities or even with Scotland itself. It has been fairly stoutly non-parochial and we celebrate this confident and outward looking stance.

Argyll, as the historic heart of Gaeldom, should, of course, support the language that gave it its name. And it does. The Oban Times carries a weekly Gaelic page and, in the current For Argyll Awards, many of those who have nominated it as Best Local Newspaper praised it for this.

Alasdair Morrions says, in his letter: ‘Since the launch of BBC ALBA in September 2008, audiences throughout Scotland have been enjoying a wide range of Gaelic programmes from music, entertainment and documentaries to SPL football and other sports coverage.

‘BBC ALBA is run as a partnership between the BBC and MG ALBA and both organisations have been delighted by the positive response to the channel. However, there are still many households unable to receive BBC ALBA as it is not yet available on Freeview and we have been greatly encouraged by the number of people who have supported our campaign over the last year, for Freeview carriage.

‘There is now an opportunity to help bring about change as the BBC Trust’s consultation continues as part of their review of BBC ALBA. The outcome of the consultation will inform the BBC Trust’s decision on Freeview carriage for BBC ALBA. This provides an important opportunity for members of the public to lend their support by writing to the BBC Trust or completing the online survey before 18 January 2010. Full details are available at www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust.

‘MG ALBA would like to thank readers of For Argyll for supporting BBC ALBA, a unique example of public service broadcasting in Scotland’.

Related Posts

• BBC Trust may put BBC ALBA on Freeview – as new radio super-website nears (3)
• BBC ALBA gets 3 Scottish BAFTA nominations (0)
• BBC Trust sits on its hands over BBC Alba (1)
• Mather hopes to see BBC Alba on Freeview (0)
• Thompson proposes a fate worse than death for critics of Gaelic (0)

---

The Latest News from ForArgyll delivered via email, weekly or daily. You know it makes sense!

---

Comments (rss) | Respond | Ping | | Print This Post