Question Time - BBC ALBA

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make with regard to the BBC Trust's review of BBC Alba. (S3O-8339)

The Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution (Michael Russell): The Scottish Government will make it clear to the BBC Trust that we regard BBC Alba as a vital addition to Scottish broadcasting. From the very date of its launch, the Scottish Government has supported the availability of BBC Alba on Freeview—a matter that I have raised repeatedly with the BBC at every appropriate level.

Jamie McGrigor: The minister will be aware that the Scottish Conservatives have consistently argued that BBC Alba should be available on Freeview. Many of my constituents in the Highlands and Islands believe that the issue is one of fairness. Does the minister agree? Will he continue to make the strongest possible case for the availability of BBC Alba on Freeview, given the importance of the channel in sustaining and encouraging our Gaelic culture and heritage?

Michael Russell: Absolutely. Developing and maintaining a critical mass of viewers for BBC Alba requires it to be available on Freeview. There is some concern about some of the BBC Trust's arguments on the issue, which appear to have emerged out of nowhere. We will vigorously support the channel's availability on Freeview. Indeed, I have said on occasions, particularly to the Scottish member of the BBC Trust, that I cannot understand why the decision is taking a year. It should have been made much more quickly.

Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): The minister mentioned the attitude of the BBC Trust. It has suggested that radio stations could be blocked out when BBC Alba is screened. Will the minister take up the case and ensure that the BBC Trust also considers the television channels that broadcast late at night and are not on at the same time as BBC Alba? Will he ask why the BBC Trust is targeting the radio stations, which are alternatives for our listeners and viewers?

Michael Russell: To be scrupulously fair to the BBC, which is something that I try to be, it has listed a number of options as possibilities, of which the removal of a number of radio services is only one. Many of us were surprised to discover that that was one of the options. There are better options. We will argue for the options that ensure that services continue to be provided but that an additional service is provided—BBC Alba.