30 June 2008
A new Scottish digital television channel has been given the support of the First Minister Alex Salmond. The channel is likely to show Scottish-based programmes and could be operated by Scottish Television (STV) once it begins, reports the Times. Mr Salmond claimed that the service would allow users in the UK to witness important events but through the eyes of Scotland. A source told the publication that the timing of the development was crucial because of next year's planned events. "With Scotland on the international map in a big way in 2009 with the year of homecoming, there has never been a better time to open more Scottish windows on the world," they commented. Such views were matched by spokesman for STV Ted Broklebank, who added that many possibilities may come from the fresh outlet. In related news, the Commons Public Accounts Committee has claimed that the government has wasted money in the run-up to the digital switchover.