Meeting of the Parliament 16 June 2011
I welcome the opportunity to take part in this afternoon’s debate, first and foremost because in my years as an MSP this is the first time I have spoken about broadcasting, and because I welcome the chance to speak about and gain knowledge of new areas.
Broadcasting and the digital network are very important issues for Scotland in the 21st century. Indeed, they are particularly significant for Scotland; after all, John Logie Baird invented TV, which has come to dominate so many of our lives. I grew up in the TV age and iconic images such as the first man on the moon, the freeing of Nelson Mandela and the election of Barack Obama as the first black US President, which came to us through our TV screens, illustrate how powerful the technology is. We should be thankful that it is a Scottish invention.
I support the creation of a new Scottish digital channel, as other members do. With the greater Scottish input and diversity that would occur, it would present tremendous opportunities for those who work in the Scottish broadcasting and digital industry, and give great opportunities to expand the range of programmes and therefore provide greater entertainment to communities throughout Scotland. The tools that would be at the disposal of a new broadcasting channel in Scotland would allow significant expansion. The minister mentioned Creative Scotland and Skills Development Scotland, and gave examples of work that has already been undertaken. Those bodies can do much to underpin the work in the existing broadcasting infrastructure and in a new digital network.
As we expand the network, it is important that we get a proper balance and do not compromise on quality in considering the programme set-up. It is important to make the most of opportunities.
A number of members have spoken about cost issues; it is clear that there are cost issues—there are issues to do with how we derive £75 million. It is essential that we do not compromise the programming ability of existing channels in doing so, particularly in relation to Scotland.