20 October 2008
BBC Alba - the new Gaelic digital TV channel - is seeking an early launch on Freeview. The Chief Executive of the Gaelic media service MG Alba is to write to the Chairman of the BBC Trust asking him to consider such a move, the BBC reports. Currently, BBC Alba is available to Sky and Freesat viewers. Its launch on Freeview is not scheduled for another two years. But Alasdair Morrison is believed to be pushing for an earlier start date following positive feedback during the channel's first month of broadcasting. "As well as continuing to deliver an excellent service, we will also be working hard towards achieving greater access to BBC Alba by securing transmission on Freeview," he remarked. Scottish Culture Minister Linda Fabiani has said she will support Mr Morrison's efforts, insisting BBC Alba offers "distinctive and high quality programming" for Gaelic digital TV viewers. Meanwhile, Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond is calling for the creation of a publicly-funded channel offering news and content for Scottish audiences.