The success of BBC Alba since its establishment in September 2008 is testimony to the unique collaboration between BBC and MG Alba and  Bòrd na Gàidhlig believes that the future success of the channel  is dependent on two key actions: Making BBC Alba available on Freeview with immediate effect and increasing the funding available to BBC Alba to enable it to sustain and develop its programming.

In its submission on the review of BBC Alba to the BBC Trust today (Friday, January 15) Bòrd na Gàidhlig urges the BBC Trust to support BBC Alba by recommending immediate transmission on Freeview with increased resources to enhance and develop the service output.

In the submission, a full copy of which is attached, Bòrd Cathraiche (Chair) Arthur Cormack says:  “Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes the BBC Trust’s support for Gaelic and firmly believes that radio, television and on-line Gaelic services have significant potential to advance the Bòrd’s own aims and to help realise the aspirations of the Gaelic community. The Bòrd believes that BBC Alba has, since its launch on 19 September 2008, achieved its stated aims of enhancing the service available to Gaelic speakers, the service for those learning the language and those that might wish to learn.  BBC Alba also offers a window on Gaelic language and culture to any who may be interested.  It reflects and supports Gaelic culture, identity and heritage in a positive manner.  By achieving a core audience in excess of 200,000 viewers per week it has quickly established its credentials and has significant support and brand awareness amongst the Scottish public.

BBC Alba has demonstrable creative, cultural, linguistic, social and economic benefits.  It taps the creativity of the Gaelic community, strengthens our cultural infrastructure, reinforces language development, bonds Gaelic speakers socially as a community and draws a wider population into it.  The channel also creates employment which would otherwise not exist in peripheral and central areas, in every sense gets to the parts that other media do not reach.  At the same time, its audience reach demonstrates that a significant segment of the Scottish population accesses it. 

BBC Alba is, therefore, a boon to Scotland as a whole, a significant Scottish asset, as well as a crucial element in the revitalisation and normalisation of Gaelic.

In its conclusion, the Bòrd submission states: “The Bòrd recognises and is encouraged by BBC Alba’s commitment to increasing the skills base and employment opportunities available to Gaelic speakers and learners.  The creation of opportunities for a wide range of new talent will be crucial to securing Gaelic’s future.  The creation of a new generation of Gaelic speakers is dependent on attracting and retaining young people and the Bòrd believes that BBC Alba has a crucial role in ensuring this happens. The success of BBC Alba is testimony to the unique collaboration between BBC and MG Alba. The Bòrd believes that the future success of BBC Alba is dependent on two key actions, making BBC Alba available on Freeview with immediate effect and increasing the funding available to BBC Alba to enable it to sustain and develop its programming.

Bòrd na Gàidhlig urges the BBC Trust to support BBC Alba by recommending immediate transmission on Freeview with increased resources to enhance and develop the service output.”

Attachment: Full version of Bòrd na Gàidhlig submission

For further information on the contents of this news release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan on 0751 528 7040.