Broadcasting
The Scottish Government's Economic Strategy highlights the creative industries as a key sector for development.
The Government is committed to developing Scotland as a production centre for television, film and new media and are working to ensure that the right conditions exist in Scotland to allow the screen industries to flourish.
Scottish Screen is the government-funded development agency for the screen industries. Check the Scottish Screen website for more details.
The Government also supports Gaelic broadcasting
Scottish Broadcasting Commission
On 8 August 2007, the First Minister established the Scottish Broadcasting Commission, during a speech on broadcasting in Scotland. Information on the work of the Commission is available on their website. The Commission will publish its final report in September 2008.
The Commission published its final report,Platform for Success, on 8 September and has now disbanded. In a statement to the Scottish Parliament on 8 October, the First Minister said:
"I welcome the constructive and consensual approach the Commission has taken over the past year - an approach which has been reciprocated by this Parliament.
The Commission 's recommendations are far reaching. They propose nothing short of a blueprint for a revolution in Scottish broadcasting .
The Scottish Government's response to the Commission will focus on three central aspects.
First, delivering a fair share of network production for Scotland.
Second, creating a new Scottish public service network, as a focal point for the long-term development of Scottish broadcasting .
And third, strengthening accountability and diversity in broadcasting , to ensure that Scottish interests are fully represented."
A more detailed response to the Broadcasting Commission report will be issued by the Scottish Government in due course.
The interim reports, research reports and evidence collected by the Commission are all available on their website.
BBC ALBA
The Scottish Government is proud to support MG ALBA, one of the partners in the new Gaelic digital channel BBC ALBA. BBC ALBA launched on 19 September and is currently available on subscription and free satellite services. It will also be available on cable and some content will be available online. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting MG ALBA in securing Freeview carriage for BBC ALBA.
More information is available on the MG ALBA and BBC ALBA websites.
Digital Switchover
The Scottish Borders begins its switch to digital on 6 November 2008. Dumfries and Galloway will switch in 2009. The remainder of Scotland is scheduled to switch to digital during 2010. When each area switches to digital the analogue television that currently broadcasts will be switched off and a digital signal will replace it. Over 85% of homes are already receiving digital television.
The switchover process is being co-managed by the Department for Culture Media and Sport, the Department Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), the Office of Communications (Ofcom) and Digital UK. They have developed the Digital Switchover Programme to co-ordinate activities, together with other key stakeholders, until the process of digital switchover is complete. More information about digital television is available from Digital UK