Hansard

We went proactively to the UK Government when it was making its local television proposals and said, “Look, the Scottish digital network could sit within that.” At one point, the question was whether there could be a mixed or private market. Those are exactly the discussions that we had with Sir Nicholas Shott. We want to continue to engage with the UK Government on the subject, which is why we are approaching it. We think that it is important that it consults us on such issues.

The issue is about not just the availability of local television in Scotland but the economic impact that it might have on Scottish companies in other media, whether that is newspapers or other media companies. There must be a dialogue about the issue, because it is not black and white; it is not just about what is reserved and what is devolved. That is why, in our motion, we call for an investigation of the options to transfer some powers, even if that is just consultation on the issues. It is very important that Scotland has a voice in relation to local television.

The past four years have demonstrated conclusively that this Parliament can use its influence, if not its power, to change broadcasting in Scotland for the better. I have set out examples of that. However, I believe that further changes to how broadcasting decisions are made are now necessary. The minimum steps would be the welcome provisions on the BBC trust and MG Alba, which are already likely to be included in the Scotland Bill at the request of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government. There are, however, other areas in which broadcasting issues need to have further Holyrood input.

We need 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 that can make it available to everyone in Scotland. We need to be consulted on subsequent television licence fee settlements and the use of that revenue when it has knock-on impacts on Scotland’s media scene. We could have a responsibility for, or at least an involvement in, decisions made by the UK Government about local television stations that will broadcast within Scotland. Any such stations could have an impact on the viability of Scottish media companies, as I said—for example, when they compete for a limited advertising market. Those were the clear conclusions of the Scottish digital network panel and Sir Nicholas Shott. They are important live issues. I hope that the Parliament comes together with the UK Government to support the investigation into how we can exert influence, whether that is through transfer of powers or other options in the areas that I outlined.

Broadcasting’s cultural importance is a key reason why, during the 1990s, so many of the proponents of devolution from all parties believed that broadcasting should be a devolved issue. In 1995, the final recommendations of the Scottish constitutional convention envisaged a significant role for this Parliament in relation to broadcasting. Now is the right time to renew the dialogue on whether Scotland should have more responsibilities for broadcasting.

I acknowledge that our motion stresses investigation into more powers; but it does not commit this Parliament to support full devolution of broadcasting—although we might want it to do so, those are not the terms of the motion. I have proposed three sensible and proportionate measures that would do much to improve the current accountability framework for broadcasting in Scotland. In the near future, we will publish a paper setting out those proposals in more detail and highlighting other areas in which a consensus might be achievable. For example, it is surely appropriate for devolved Administrations to have a say on the list of sporting events that must be shown live on free-to-air television. There is also a strong case for Scottish ministers to be consulted on local cross-media mergers. Let us remember the economic importance of that for different communities and sectors in the economy. I hope that other parties, and the UK Government, will contribute proposals of their own.

Scotland needs to have a stronger voice in discussions on broadcasting and it needs to have powers to address matters such as the digital network that are a priority at Holyrood, but which may not be a key focus for Westminster. The consensus on broadcasting at Holyrood so far has served us well during the past four years. I look forward to hearing from all parties this afternoon, and afterwards, so that we can build on that in the coming session.

I move,

That the Parliament welcomes recent developments in digital infrastructure and broadcasting in Scotland, such as BBC ALBA becoming available on Freeview and cable, the introduction of the final stage of digital television switchover in Scotland and the success of the bid led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise for UK Government funding to pilot the introduction of superfast broadband roll-out in rural areas; recognises that much more needs to be done, particularly to realise the vision for a Scottish Digital Network as set out by the Scottish Broadcasting Commission in 2008, which would make quality public service content available to all of Scotland on television and online; welcomes the work undertaken by the Scottish Digital Network Panel to explore options for the funding and establishment of a Scottish Digital Network, and encourages the Scottish Government to continue to explore opportunities with the UK Government to deliver a digital network and to investigate options for transferring further responsibilities for broadcasting to the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government.