March 7, 2008
JOIN IN THE SCOTTISH BROADCASTING COMMISSION'S TELEVISION DEBATE
The Scottish Broadcasting Commission is inviting people across Scotland to have their say on the subject of TV by taking part in public events this Spring.
The Commission, set up to look at television production in Scotland and its potential, wants to know whether television is giving viewers and licence-fee payers what they want to watch. Members of the Commission are keen to hear directly from the public, particularly on whether the Scotland they know and want to see is reflected on television.
A series of public events will take place across Scotland in March and April:
- 19 March - Aberdeen
- 8 April - Stirling
- 11 April - Dumfries
- 14 April - Dundee
- 15 April - Oban
- 16 April - Peebles
- 21 April - Stornoway
- 23 April - Edinburgh
- 25 April - Lerwick
- 30 April - Inverness
The Commission will also hold an event in Glasgow which will be announced in due course and is working with other organisations, including the Scottish Youth Parliament, the Children's Parliament and the Royal Society of Arts, on their plans to engage people in the issues the Commission is considering.
Chair of the Commission, Blair Jenkins said:
"Television is a subject everyone has an opinion on. Whether it's too much football or not enough, a favourite show that they can't miss or something they want to switch off the moment they hear the theme tune.
"As we continue our investigation into the potential for the broadcasting industry in Scotland, we're particularly keen to know whether viewers feel that what is currently being shown on TV meets what they want to watch.
"Our public events across Scotland are one way in which people can have their say."
All events are free but places are limited so those interested in taking part need to apply for a ticket.
All people need to do to apply for a ticket is: email Events@scottishbroadcastingcommission.gov.uk or write to Scottish Broadcasting Commission, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow G2 8LU with their name, postal address and the event they wish to attend. (Applicants should also indicate any support needs they may have). As tickets will be posted, applications need to be received at the latest seven days before the date of the event.
The series of events is as follows:
Date | Location | Venue | Time |
19 March 2008 | Aberdeen | Aberdeen Arts Gallery | 18:00 - 19:30 |
8 April 2008 | Stirling | Tolbooth Arts Centre | 18:00 - 19:30 |
11 April 2008 | Dumfries | Council Hall | 18:00 - 19:30 |
14 April 2008 | Dundee | DCA | 18:00 - 19:30 |
15 April 2008 | Oban | Corran Halls | 18:00 - 19:30 |
16 April 2008 | Peebles | Eastgate Arts Centre | 18:00 - 19:30 |
21 April 2008 | Stornoway | An Lanntair Arts Centre | 18:00 - 19:30 |
23 April 2008 | Edinburgh | The Scottish Storytelling Centre | 18:00 - 19:30 |
25 April 2008 | Lerwick | Shetland Museum and Archives | 18:00 - 19:30 |
30 April 2008 | Inverness | Eden Court Theatre and Cinema | 18:00 - 19:30 |
These events are one part of the way in which the Commission is considering the views of the public. People can also send their thoughts, opinions and evidence via the feedback section of the Commission's website and through written correspondence to the Commission's address. The Commission is also undertaking research into people's opinions on television and broadcasting and their viewing behaviour.
The Commission is also taking formal oral evidence from organisations and individuals with an interest and stake in the cultural and democratic importance of broadcasting. Transcripts of these sessions will be published alongside the Interim Reports of the emerging issues of the Cultural Phase and Democratic Phase of the Commission's work.
The Commission is due to report this summer when it will publish recommendations for the way forward for broadcasting in Scotland.