September 8, 2008
COMMISSION OUTLINES WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITY FOR BROADCASTING IN SCOTLAND
The Scottish Broadcasting Commission has published its vision and strategy for the future of the industry, with plans to transform the country's creative economy and to improve the programmes and services available to audiences in Scotland.
In its final report - Platform for Success - the Commission makes 22 recommendations for strengthening the industry, arguing that broadcasting in Scotland can flourish and create world-class content for worldwide audiences.
The unanimous recommendations build upon the foundations of creative talent, the appetite and demands from the viewing public, and the investment and new commitments from the BBC and Channel 4 announced during the timespan of the independent Commission's investigation into the state of the industry in Scotland.
Arguing that Scotland needs a new framework for broadcasting to take it through the transition period of digital switchover, meet new challenges and grasp new opportunities, the Commission's Report recommends:
the creation of a new Scottish Network: a digital public service television channel, with an extensive and innovative online platform, funded out of the new UK settlement for Public Service Broadcasting plurality and licensed and given full regulatory support by Ofcom
the BBC Trust and Executive should:
a) fulfil the commitment to secure 8.6% of network television production from Scotland (under the Ofcom definition) by the end of 2012; and maintain that level, in line with population share, as a minimum thereafter and;
b) establish and maintain a substantial network commissioning presence in Scotland and transfer the management of one of its four national television services to Scotland
- Channel 4 should have a mandatory target for production from Scotland of 8.6% in line with share of population, and that the Channel should base one of its commissioning departments in Scotland
all broadcasters in the UK should review the performance of their news services in reporting the four nations in a manner that is accurate and relevant for all
the Scottish Parliament should take an active role in considering the broadcasting industry and services audiences in Scotland receive, in order to provide a visible and public forum for debate, with Scottish Ministers having greater responsibility, within the UK framework, for those operational functions directly affecting Scotland
the influence and responsibilities of Ofcom Scotland should be strengthened and there should be specific representation for Scotland on the Ofcom Board at UK level.
Thirteen months to the day the First Minister announced the Commission, after taking over eighty hours of formal oral evidence, considering written evidence, undertaking research into public attitudes to broadcasting, the economic potential of the industry and international policies, and producing three Interim Reports to capture emerging evidence and concerns to stimulate debate, the Scottish Broadcasting Commission delivers its report and recommendations to the Scottish Government.
Commission Chair Blair Jenkins said:
"We firmly believe there is a great future for Scottish broadcasting. With our recommendations, we are confident of securing the economic, cultural and democratic strength of the industry in Scotland.
"Our proposed Scottish Network will deliver the entertainment and information, and the cultural enrichment, that audiences in Scotland need and want. It will also help to achieve the economic development of the industry, providing the opportunities for new talent and new ideas, and indeed for new technology.
"We now look to Government, broadcasters and the public support agencies to take these ideas forward and bring them to fruition.
"All of our work as a Commission has been aimed at strengthening Scottish broadcasting within the context of a UK framework: getting the benefits of that framework, but securing a stronger position for Scotland within it. And it is clear that there is a need for greater accountability within Scotland in relation to broadcasting services, more influence on broadcasting policy and closer scrutiny of performance.
"I would like to thank my fellow members of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission for their unanimous support in creating this exciting new vision for broadcasting in Scotland."
The Report and Recommendations are published and presented to the Scottish Government simultaneously. The Commission's remit is now complete.
Platform for Success
Commission Chair Blair Jenkins talks about the Commission's Full Report