BBC ALBA launching on 19 September
MG ALBA and the BBC have announced the name and launch date for the Gaelic
digital service.
The new service, BBC ALBA, will launch on 19 September 2008 at 9pm.
Alasdair Morrison, the Chairman of MG ALBA, and Ken MacQuarrie, Controller
of BBC Scotland, welcomed the news.
Mr Morrison said, “The launch of BBC ALBA is a wonderful milestone for
broadcasting. The most important priority for MG ALBA is that viewers
and listeners receive high quality television, radio and online services,
and I’m delighted that we are establishing this new service through the
historic collaboration between MG ALBA and the BBC.”
Ken MacQuarrie said, “The launch of a new channel is always an exciting
time for any broadcaster and I'm delighted that the partnership between
BBC and MG ALBA has resulted in this happening right here in Scotland.
The launch next month of BBC ALBA is the realisation of a long held ambition
of the Gaelic community and an achievement for those who worked so hard
to bring it about. BBC ALBA will offer a new and enhanced service to the
Gaelic audience and will also reach out to the wider Scottish audience
by offering a range of attractive and compelling programmes."
Commenting on the new service, Donald Campbell, MG ALBA’s Chief Executive,
said, “The launch date for BBC ALBA is fast approaching and it won’t be
long now before viewers in Scotland have the opportunity to see new Gaelic
programmes every day. On the first night we’ll see a new drama starring
Greg Hemphill as Elvis and a live concert from the Isle of Skye featuring
some of Scotland’s best musical talent, and over the coming months we’ll
be broadcasting a wide range of sport, news, children’s programmes, documentaries
and entertainment to appeal to young and old alike.”
Ends
For more information contact Alison Lang (MG ALBA) on 01851 705550 or
0770 109 9952, or Roy Templeton (BBC) on 0141 422 6315.
Notes for editors:
MG ALBA and the BBC have established a partnership to deliver digital
television, radio and online services in Gaelic. The BBC ALBA service
will broadcast under a BBC licence. To find out more about how the partnership
works visit our website.
BBC ALBA will be available on satellite and cable throughout the United
Kingdom, with content also available online. BBC ALBA will be available
on Freeview, in Scotland only, after digital switchover, in 2010, subject
to review by the BBC Trust.
MG ALBA is the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic
Media Service). MG ALBA stands for Meadhanan Gàidhlig Alba, or Gaelic
Media Scotland.
www.mgalba.com
www.bbc.co.uk/alba
13 August 2008