Tell the BBC Trust what you think.
The BBC Trust is holding a public consultation as part of its review of BBC ALBA. The consultation runs until 18 January 2010. You can read about the BBC Trust and the consultation at www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust.
One of the important questions the Trust will be considering is whether BBC ALBA can be broadcast on Freeview. It is very important that people make their views known to the BBC Trust, especially if they want BBC ALBA on Freeview.
Securing a place for BBC ALBA on Freeview
BBC ALBA is currently available on Sky 168 and Freesat 110, and online at www.bbcalba.co.uk. It is not yet available on Cable or Freeview.
The BBC Trust review is our opportunity to secure a place for BBC ALBA on Freeview.
Freeview is the method by which the majority of people in Scotland receive digital television. Putting BBC ALBA on Freeview will allow the channel to reach the widest possible audience.
A wider audience for BBC ALBA programmes
BBC ALBA’s schedule is designed to appeal to Gaelic speakers and to a wider Scottish audience. On average, 220,000 viewers are tuning in to BBC ALBA every week. Our audience research shows us that the most popular programme genres are news, music, entertainment for the Gaelic audience, and sport, music, documentaries for the Scottish audience. Highlights in BBC ALBA’s first year of broadcasting have included coverage of SFL and SPL football, music events such as the Trad Music Awards and the Heb Celt Fest, a live Hogmanay show and a number of landmark documentaries.
What does the BBC Trust want to know?
If you have already seen BBC ALBA, the BBC Trust wants to know what you think of the channel. Your views are important because the Trust needs to assess how well BBC ALBA is fulfilling the aims set out in the channel’s service licence.
So if you’re enjoying BBC ALBA, please let the Trust know!
If you want to see BBC ALBA on Freeview, the BBC Trust wants to know what you think about the proposal for how this should happen. Again, your views are important because the public consultation will inform the decisions that the Trust makes about BBC ALBA.
What can you do?
You can write to the BBC Trust by post or e-mail, or you can fill in an online survey. Full details are available at www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust.
Remember, if you want to see BBC ALBA on Freeview, this is your chance to have your say. Send your response by 18 January 2010.
You are always welcome to contact MG ALBA with your comments and questions. You can e-mail us at fios@mgalba.com or call 01851 705550.