Media Panel created to consider Scottish digital network options
Blair Jenkins, the former chair of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission has been asked by Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop to lead an independent panel to investigate the options for funding a Scottish digital network.
The panel’s formation follows the Commissions’s report being published in 2008 which found that a digital network of broadcast and online content would be the best way to address the current deficit of public service broadcasting in Scotland, and also create more sustainable competition for the BBC.
Ministers expect to receive recommendations by early 2011, including the viability of local television, expected to be delivered by the Shott Review in December.
Recommendations are expected to be with Ministers early in 2011 and will include consideration of findings on the viability of local television expected to come from the UK Government-commissioned Shott Review in December 2010.
Joining Jenkins on the panel will be Professor Neil Blain, head of Film, Media and Journalism at Stirling University, Judith Mackenzie; investment director at Downing Corporate Finance, Charles McGhee; media consultant and former editor of The Herald and David Wightman; former member of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission and founder and former CEO of Creative Edge Software.
In a statement, Fiona Hyslop explained that after more than 50 years of opt-out television services, the foundation of a dedicated Scottish digital network would “completely transform” the country’s perspective.
"There is unanimous support for the network in the Scottish Parliament, and recognition of its potential to develop Scotland's broadcasting sector, provide more high-quality programmes for Scottish audiences, and create much-needed competition for the BBC.
"The key difficulty in establishing it has been agreeing how it should be funded. That is why I have asked the panel to explore that issue and come up with proposals by the middle of January 2011.
"It is estimated that the network, alongside the increased commitments from existing public service broadcasters which we are starting to see, would double the economic impact of the broadcasting industry and the number of jobs supported in Scotland.
"Scottish audiences deserve their own network, embracing television, online and interactive content. Research for the Commission showed more than 80 per cent of viewers were interested in a new Scottish digital TV channel.”
She added: “I want the independent panel to make recommendations which can help the UK Government address this problem by coming up with proposals for how a digital network - with scope for local opt-outs - could be established in Scotland.
"A new public service broadcasting network would, of course, have to be demonstrably independent of Government in its editorial polices and management, and I have also asked the Panel to take account of that in their recommendations."