March 26, 2008
TELEVISION IN SCOTLAND SUFFERS FROM A LACK OF AMBITION
Television programmes have lacked ambition and imagination in presenting the full range of Scottish culture, heritage and creativity, according to new evidence in the second interim report to be published by the Scottish Broadcasting Commission.
Since January, the Commission has been focusing its independent investigation on the cultural importance of Scottish broadcasting, looking at the main programme services and how well they meet the needs and aspirations of viewers.
Key points emerging from the evidence taken in this phase include:
- Frequent criticisms of the limited range of cultural content on television, with audiences missing out on Scottish talent and creativity applied to national and international subjects
- Scottish programmes* currently make up only 5% of the schedules of BBC1 and BBC2 in Scotland, but there is evidence from a new survey that audiences have an appetite for more
- STV's Scottish programmes account for 6.5% of their schedules, but SMG said in future it will produce Scottish programmes only if it can find a commercial rationale. This poses a potential risk to public service broadcasting competition in Scotland
- In a survey for the Commission of public attitudes to broadcasting, 82% of people surveyed said they would be interested in watching a new Scottish channel if one were launched; the strongest demand is for more news, documentaries and history or heritage programmes
- 84% thought it was important that television should "inform and teach you about Scotland", but a third of people surveyed were dissatisfied with how programmes meet this responsibility
Chair of the Commission Blair Jenkins said:
"The Commission believes the cultural content of television is important because it is vital for social cohesion, national identity and a sense of history - the story of this nation's journey, where it is and where it may be going.
"Much of the evidence we received conveyed a strong sense that broadcasting is out of touch or off the pace when it comes to recording and reflecting the cultural vitality and diversity of modern Scotland.
"Many commentators are convinced that television can provide a showcase for Scottish creativity and cultural activities and should be taking more risks instead of giving people more of the same.
"The evidence we have taken - and the survey for the Commission - indicate that there is certainly an appetite for more Scottish content but that this is not fully satisfied by the broadcasters with public service broadcasting obligations.
"This interim report opens up many issues and questions which need to be explored and addressed by the industry in order to ensure that our broadcasting truly reflects Scottish as well as international culture for viewers in Scotland."
During this phase of the Commission's work it took over 26 hours of formal oral evidence from broadcasters and individuals and organisations with an interest in arts and culture in Scotland, radio and Scottish society; written evidence and evidence via the Commission's website. The Commission is also seeking the views of the public through a series of public events which began on 19 March and continue through to May, and through a major research survey of public attitudes to broadcasting.
The Commission will further focus its attention on the issues raised in this phase by:
- Questioning the plurality of PSB (Public Service Broadcasting) provision in a context where STV and Border Television do not see themselves as bound by such programme obligations in future
- Seeking to define more clearly the appropriate range, volume and quality of BBC Scotland content desired by Scottish audiences
- Considering how to encourage a higher level of ambition (cultural, international, innovative, creative) for Scottish programmes and services
- Exploring how the Gaelic digital channel might be strengthened by the addition of other Scottish cultural content
- Assessing the level of demand and possible sources of funding and editorial leadership for a Scottish digital channel and for local television services around Scotland
- Considering how to ensure that there is a rich source of programme supply reflecting the creativity and diversity of modern Scotland
- Understanding the impact and potential of new digital platforms in helping to distribute Scottish-produced content to global audiences
*'Scottish programmes' are defined as all programmes made specifically for Scottish audiences, including news, current affairs, sport, Gaelic and non-news programmes.
The full results of the research into public attitudes concerning broadcasting undertaken for the Commission will be published at a later stage in May when all analysis has been completed. Initial results referred to in the Interim Report on the Cultural Phase are:
· 82% of those surveyed said they would be interested in watching a Scottish digital channel
· 84% of those surveyed thought it was important that television should "inform and teach you about Scotland"
· 33% of those surveyed were dissatisfied with how TV in Scotland informs and teaches about Scotland
· 56% of those surveyed thought there was too little coverage of the Scottish dimension in history and heritage programmes
· 51% of those surveyed thought there was not enough coverage of Scottish material in factual and documentary programmes
· 84% of those surveyed said that competitive matches played by Scotland's national football team should be shown live on free terrestrial television.
1,018 respondents took part in the research undertaken between 27 February and 5 March 2008. A representative quota survey of the general public in Scotland, adults aged 16+, was used.
Interim Report on Cultural Phase
Evidence