FREEVIEW WOULD WIDEN PUBLIC ACCESS TO BBC ALBA

The proposal to switch BBC Alba broadcasts from its present
satellite providers to Freeview is welcomed by Argyll & Bute MSP Jim
Mather . Provision of the service is at present under review by the BBC
Trust.

Jim Mather said:

"Since its launch BBC Alba has built up an impressive
reputation for the production of high quality production. However, the
station is currently only available on Sky, on Freesat and, for those
who with the technology, on BBC iPlayer either live or for seven days
after the initial broadcast. The proposal to make this unique facility,
the first multi-genre channel to come entirely from Scotland, available
to a much wider audience by switching it to Freeview is presently under
review by the BBC Trust.

The move has generated a great deal of interest and
enthusiasm in the Highlands and beyond and Highland Council has already
indicated its support for such a move. There is a quid pro quo in that
switching this channel to Freeview, in Scotland only, would mean that
BBC radio programmes would eventually drop from Freeview between the
transmission times of 1700 and 2300 to provide the necessary channel
space.

BBC Alba is jointly funded by MG Alba and the BBC. While
the partnership runs this channel, Gaelic programming will continue on
BBC2, at least until the digital switchover takes place in 2010.

Those interested in indicating support for this action
may care to contact the Chairman of the BBC Trust, Mr Michael Lyons, by
letter, text or e-mail. Contact details are currently being advertised
on BBC TV channels.


JIM MATHER MSP