News > 2008
BBC ALBA’s SPORTS PACKAGE KICKED OFF TO AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS
BBC ALBA’s premier sports package, launched on Saturday 20th September with live coverage of the SPL Hearts versus Inverness match at Tyncastle, was an outstanding success.
The sports package is one of the key strands of programming available on Scotland’s new Gaelic channel and is being provided in association with MNE Media. MNE Media has linked up with the Scottish Premier League to provide coverage of one Clydesdale Bank Premier League match every Saturday night, on BBC ALBA over the next two seasons.
MNE Media will select one game from each round of fixtures as the feature match to be shown on an as-live basis around three hours after the final whistle. Exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in football will also feature on the new channel.
Lex Gold, Executive Chairman of the SPL said: “We are delighted at the launch of the new BBC ALBA channel. BBC ALBA’s full match coverage of one of our matches every week delivers a valuable service to our fans across the country. We will be working hard with everyone involved to build on what was a great first weekend.”
Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA said: “Saturday’s live Hearts versus Inverness SPL coverage from Tyncastle proved to be a fitting start to celebrate the launch of the channel’s new sports package. The programme was very well received and testament to the popularity and level of demand from sports fans across the Gaelic and Scottish wide community for this service.
“Our efforts are now focused on providing greater access for viewers and sports fans of BBC ALBA by securing coverage of the channel in its rightful place on Freeview. Talks began this week with the BBC Trust and I am looking forward to working closely with BBC Scottish Trustee Jeremy Peat on this matter. In due course we want to close the gap on what amounts to digital exclusion. BBC ALBA should and must be available to the mass audience particularly when we have a premier package of sports coverage on offer."
Funding for the MNE sports package has come from MG ALBA who is in partnership with the BBC Scotland to deliver high quality, distinctive home-produced programming for BBC ALBA.
The premier sports package, which will also televise live Scottish rugby and shinty, is presented by Evelyn Coull from the House of Sport, an alternative studio that promises fun, entertainment and something a little bit different to suit everyone.
Complementing the sports package will be a number of exclusive documentaries televised on BBC ALBA, including a unique documentary on the life of French football legend Zinedine Zidane and his final world cup match which will be broadcast again this evening at 10.30pm.
