Scottish Digital Network Plan Set Out

Steps to realise the Scottish Broadcasting Commission's vision for a Scottish Digital Network (SDN) have been set out by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs.

During a debate at the Scottish Parliament, Fiona Hyslop suggested three areas where Holyrood should have more input into power and influence over broadcasting to help deliver quality public service content for the whole of Scotland.

Ms Hyslop has proposed that the Scottish Parliament:

• Needs to be able to ensure the establishment of the Scottish Digital Network as a public service broadcaster with a remit within Scotland and with guaranteed spectrum which can make it available to everyone in Scotland
• Needs to be consulted on subsequent television licence fee settlements and the use of that revenue if it has knock-on impacts for Scotland
• Could have a responsibility for, or at least an involvement in, decisions made by the UK Government about local television stations which will broadcast within Scotland. Any such stations could have an impact on the viability of Scottish media companies

The Culture Secretary also highlighted the possibility that Holyrood could be able to determine which sporting events should be placed on the 'crown jewels' list of sporting events which must be shown live on free-to-air television - which could include the Scottish men's football qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championship.

Ms Hyslop said: "Broadcasting is vital to our nation's sense of identity. It makes a valuable contribution to our economy, enriches our culture and strengthens our democracy. Broadcasting's cultural importance is a key reason why so many of the proponents of devolution during the 1990s - from all parties - believed that broadcasting should be a devolved issue. However, it remains reserved to the UK Government.

“Scotland needs a stronger voice on broadcasting. I have proposed three sensible and proportionate measures which would do much to improve the current accountability framework for broadcasting in Scotland. We will shortly publish a paper setting out those proposals in more detail, and highlighting other areas where a consensus might be achievable."

(BMcN)