22 September 2008
A new channel dedicated to Gaelic language programming has been launched on satellite and free-to-air digital TV. BBC Alba is available on Sky channel 168 and Freesat, although Freeview customers will not be able to watch the channel for another two years. Programmes will be broadcast in Gaelic but will include English subtitles, helping it appeal to audiences across Scotland, the BBC hopes. Commenting on the new channel launch, Scottish Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said: "This is a momentous day for the Gaelic community, as well as for Scottish broadcasting. "The channel will play a key role in promoting the Gaelic language and making it accessible to a national audience." Programmes will cover news, sport and entertainment, with documentaries on US property tycoon Donald Trump and footballer Zinedine Zidane being some of the first to air. Earlier this month, Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond called for the creation of a new Scottish digital TV channel for public service broadcasting.