BBC Alba coming to Freeview in Scotland

The BBC Trust has today given its approval for Gaelic-language service BBC Alba to be made available to viewers in Scotland on Freeview.

In October 2009, the Trust launched a review of BBC Alba, including how well the channel serves Gaelic speakers and how it should be made available to audiences in the future. Continuation of BBC Alba, which is jointly run by the BBC and MG Alba, was dependent on a successful review by the Trust.

Today, the BBC's governing body concluded that BBC Alba is performing well and achieving its aim of serving Gaelic-speaking audiences. It also noted that the channel is attracting more than four non-Gaelic speakers for every new Gaelic speaking viewer.

The Trust has therefore approved the BBC's proposal to award BBC Alba carriage on digital terrestrial television (DTT) in Scotland. The move would result in the BBC's main radio networks - Radio 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Live, Radio Scotland and World Service - not being available on Freeview between 5pm and 11pm every night.

However, the Trust ordered the BBC to explore options for more effectively using spectrum on DTT to enable some of the radio services to be maintained alongside BBC Alba.

Jeremy Peat, national trustee for Scotland, said: "It's very encouraging to see that BBC Alba is performing well and is appreciated by Gaelic speakers and learners.

"Carrying Alba on Freeview will bring the service to a much wider audience across Scotland - it's been clear from our review that there are strong views about the future of the service and this has not been a straightforward decision, but we believe that it's the option that really offers the most benefit for licence fee payers in Scotland."

The Trust's review highlighted that programme quality on BBC Alba must be kept at the highest possible standard. The BBC will now review whether the channel's existing budget is sufficient for it to improve programme standards and reach the target of 250,000 viewers.

BBC Scotland director Ken MacQuarrie welcomed the Trust's decision to bring BBC Alba, which has previously just been available on satellite, to a wider audience.

"The Trust have announced their review and found that Alba is valued, not only by Gaelic speakers, but also by the wider cross-section of the audience," said MacQuarrie.

"Further, the Trust has asked the Executive to implement their decision that Alba be shown on Freeview on DTT. This will make the channel more widely available for a wider audience.

"The Trust has remarked that this is a great example of a BBC partnership and I would like to thank the MG Alba chairman, board and staff for all they have brought to the service along with the BBC's Margaret Mary Murray for all her leadership. The service has been greatly appreciated by its audience and - I look forward to its continued success."