Question reference: S5O-00884
- Asked by: Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 12 April 2017
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 20 April 2017
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with BBC Scotland regarding the resourcing of its new channel.
Answer
The Scottish Government argued firmly throughout the recent Charter Renewal process for the proper resourcing of the BBC’s operations in Scotland. This Government has consistently called for a decentralised BBC that better serves and represents Scottish audiences. That is why we continue to make the case that BBC Scotland should have complete commissioning and editorial independence, and that the new channel should receive a level of funding that will match its ambition. I last met with Director-General Tony Hall on 23 February, where I welcomed the BBC’s plans to launch a new Scottish channel, increase funding and create 80 new journalism jobs, as a step in the right direction.