Council writes to Culture Secretary about Gaelic Digital channel

Members of the Gaelic Select Committee were circulated with a copy of the letter which was sent on the 5 September to Tessa Jowell in which the Chairman requested a meeting with the Minister to resolve these issues.

Chairman, Hamish Fraser said: "Although Ofcom’s statement on "Programming for the Nations and Regions" demonstrates a commitment to an adequately funded Gaelic channel at an early date, we have concerns about the time it is taking to establish a viable Gaelic digital service. An early commencement is all the more urgent as already Gaelic programmes on the Scottish ITV channels are been phased out. This means Gaelic viewers are being deprived of programmes during the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.

"We also wish to discuss concerns communities across the Highlands that a new digital Gaelic service may not be available in particular areas. It is important that the issue of equipment, required to receive a digital channel, is addressed and that there is a system in place to ensure that all those who wish to continue receiving Gaelic broadcasts are not financially burdened as a result of this change. I look forward to receiving a reply from the Culture Secretary and discussing our concerns in more detail."

Earlier in the year OFCOM announced their plans for Gaelic broadcasting. In June they gave ITV permission to cut its commitments to regional TV programming allowing the Scottish Media Group to broadcast only 6 hours of Gaelic programmes per year in peak viewing times instead of 26 hours.

OFCOM say that the best way to serve the Gaelic audience is through a dedicated Gaelic digital channel, instead of Gaelic programming on the standard channels. They agree that a new Gaelic channel should be set up by a partnership of the BBC and the Gaelic Media Service.

Dr Michael Foxley, Vice Convenor of The Highland Council said: "It is obvious that OFCOM has ignored the input they have received from the Gaelic community, their own research findings, the recommendations of the Gaelic Media Service, which reports to OFCOM and also the views of Highland Council.

"To deprive the Gaelic audience of programmes during peak viewing hours before the switchover to digital television is an affront to the Gaelic community, especially when there is no assurance that an adequately funded digital channel is going to materialise. We look forward to receiving a reply to our letter so we can set up a meeting with the Minister as soon as possible."