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Scottish Broadcasting Commission
13/08/2007
The draft remit and membership of the new Scottish Broadcasting Commission, announced by First Minister Alex Salmond less than a week ago, has today been published.
The Chair of the Commission, Blair Jenkins, has now been joined by nine respected individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Scotland's creative, political, and academic life.
The draft remit is:
The Scottish Broadcasting Commission has been established by the First Minister to conduct an independent investigation into the current state of television production and broadcasting in Scotland and define a strategic way forward for the industry. Taking account of the economic, cultural and democratic importance of broadcasting to a modern, outward looking Scotland the Commission will:
- Make recommendations for Scottish government action in those areas that lie within the scope of the powers currently devolved to the Scottish Parliament
- Focus attention on issues where other organisations have responsibility and encourage action to address these issues
- Identify matters for further consideration and debate in the Scottish Parliament
The Commission will publish its report next year.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"I am excited to see such respected and talented individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds agreeing to work together in the Commission to examine Scotland's broadcasting problems and come forward with effective solutions. Their expertise is an asset to Scotland and the Commission will enable that expertise to be channelled into moving Scotland forward in this vital area.
Membership is:
- Rt Hon Lord Fraser of Carmyllie QC who has had an extensive political career since being appointed as Lord Advocate in 1989 and who led the inquiry into the Holyrood project
- Rt Hon Henry McLeish, former First Minister currently working as a consultant with public relations consultancy Halogen Communications Ltd. He holds a number of positions at universities around the world
- Baroness Michie of Gallanach, a Gaelic-speaker and a member of An Comunn Gaidhealach. Lady Michie is former Vice-Chairman of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and has served as a Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Scottish Affairs
- Chris Ballance, an award-winning playwright who has written for BBC Radio Scotland. He is a member of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain and the Scottish Society of Playwrights. He was Green MSP for South of Scotland and is currently working as Cultural Co-ordinator for Dumfries and Galloway
- Norman Drummond, a former BBC National Governor and Chairman of the Broadcasting Council for Scotland
- Elaine C Smith, one of Scotland's best known and best loved actresses and comedy entertainers
- Professor Seona Reid, Director of Glasgow School of Art and former Director of the Scottish Arts Council
- David Wightman, a successful entrepreneur and experienced technology innovator. He is chief executive of Edinburgh game creator Edgies and has set up a consultancy working with the games industry. He is also on the Screen Industry Summit Group
- Murray Grigor, writer, film-maker and exhibition designer
Chair of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission Blair Jenkins said:
"I'm delighted that we have managed to secure such a strong and well-respected membership for the Scottish Broadcasting Commission. The aim was to have a blend of industry experience, a broad range of political views and proven analytical skills.
"I am looking forward immensely to working with my fellow commissioners on this important and challenging remit."
Membership posts are unsalaried.
No person who might be a financial beneficiary of any recommendations made by the Commission nor representatives of organisations which might expect to be given evidence in the course of the inquiry has been considered for membership.
The draft remit will be for the Commission to agree to when it convenes for the first time in the autumn.
Blair Jenkins, chair of the Commission, was formally the Head of News and Current Affairs at BBC Scotland, and had previously worked as director of broadcasting for STV.