8 September 2008
A new digital TV channel dedicated to Scottish programming should be provided for audiences in Scotland, it has been claimed. According to the Scottish Broadcasting Commission, a publicly-funded channel offering news and content directly related to Scotland would boost broadcasting north of the border. In a report due to be published today, the commission - which was set up by First Minister Alex Salmond - is expected to recommend a new digital TV channel over the proposals for a Scottish Six to replace BBC One's Six O'Clock News. Mr Salmond has previously complained that Scottish viewers are not offered enough regional programming, insisting television content is skewed in favour of England and particularly the south-east. Peter Wishart, the SNP's Westminster Media Spokesman, told the Scotsman: "The broadcasting status quo is unacceptable and I am confident that the Broadcasting Commission's recommendations will take us in the right direction." Residents in the Scottish borders will be among the first to see their analogue signals turned off when the digital switchover begins in their area on November 6th.