The Scottish Government have responded to comments from the Celtic League General Secretary about broadcasting in Scotland (see below).
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot wrote to Scotland's First Minister to congratulate him on the stance he had taken over the poor coverage of Scottish affairs by BBC news networks (see link);
"Dear Mr Tal-e-bot
Thank you for your letter of 14 June to the First Minister about BBC news coverage. I have been asked to reply.
You may be interested to know that the First Minister established an independent Broadcasting Commission last year which is in the final stages of conducting an investigation into the current state of broadcasting in Scotland and defining a strategic way forward for the industry. The Commission has taken account of the economic, cultural and democratic importance of broadcasting to a modern, outward looking Scotland.
The Commission has carried out extensive work on the provision of news services as part of the democratic phase of its work, and will undoubtedly cover news in its final report, which is due to be received in September.
The Commission, in association with the Scottish Government, recently published a public attitudes research report that shows the main concerns about television. News provision was seen as important, as were significant sporting events. There was also significant support for a new dedicated Scottish channel. For more information on the work of the Commission please visit their website at www.scottishbroadcastingcommission.gov.uk
As I am sure you are aware the BBC Trust commissioned a review of BBC network news coverage of the four UK nations, which was published on 11 June. The report indicates a clear desire on the part of all audiences to learn about all parts of the UK. It also indicates that the BBC's coverage is generally seen as fair and impartial. But the analysis also points out shortcomings in the BBC's coverage. It suggests that the BBC needs to improve the range, clarity and precision of its network news coverage of what is happening in the different UK nations and regions and make this coverage more relevant and interesting to all audiences. The full report can be accessed on the BBC Trust website at: (voir le site)
I hope this information is helpful.
Yours sincerely
Anne Dagg
Creative Scotland & Broadcasting Team Culture & Gaelic Europe, external affairs and culture directorate The Scottish Government Victoria Quay (Area 2-J) Edinburgh"
See also related articles on broadcasting on Celtic News at:
(voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site)
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
27/06/08