BBC ALBA MUST BE ON FREEVIEW

BBC ALBA MUST BE ON FREEVIEW

The SNP in Holyrood today called for BBC Alba to be broadcast on the Freeview digital service.

The call came in a debate in the Scottish Parliament where all parties were asked to back the move to Freeview.

Speaking during the debate Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan, who addressed the Parliament in Gaelic said:

“Across the whole of Scotland people welcomed BBC Alba when it started just over a year ago.

"BBC Alba is another step on the road to the normalisation of Gaelic and its acceptance in the broadcasting world as a distinctive and appealing Gaelic voice.

“BBC Alba understands the importance of broadcasting every sort of programme in Gaelic and of appealing to every sort of viewer, but their job would be much easier if BBC Alba was available on Freeview.

"Despite the restrictions on the number of viewers imposed by the current refusal to put BBC Alba on freeview immediately BBC Alba has won viewers and is well supported.

“If BBC Alba was available with other Freeview channels it would provide a huge incentive and boost for Gaelic broadcasting.

"There would be many more houses where people would be listening to, and becoming engaged with Gaelic. And the BBC Trust would get some peace as well!”