Scots culture minister criticises local TV proposals as ‘inadequate’
Scotland’s cabinet secretary for culture and external affairs Fiona Hyslop has responded to the announcement of proposed locations for local TV in Scotland.
She said in Galloway: “Local TV services have the potential to bring benefits to viewers across Scotland. However, the UK Government's plans fall far short of the mark.
“We have real concerns about Jeremy Hunt's proposals which would leave gaping holes in provision, particularly in rural areas. Today's announcement makes clear services will not even be established in all the eligible locations.
“Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders are arguably the parts of Scotland most in need of local television. Viewers here currently receive local news on Channel 3 which is broadcast from Gateshead. Nothing in these inadequate proposals would deliver benefits for viewers in these areas, which are not even on the list of eligible locations.
“We firmly believe that a publicly-funded Scottish Digital Network is the best way to sustain and support local television services in Scotland. Our vision for a national network would serve viewers the length and breadth of the country - not just the largest centres of population which are commercially attractive - as well as meeting the need for choice in public service broadcasting in Scotland.”