BBC hits back over claims of 'parochial' Scottish news reports

Published on Wednesday 17 June 2009 22:07

THE director general of the BBC has hit back at claims that its coverage of news in Scotland can be "mind-numbingly parochial".

Nationalist MSP Kenneth Gibson told Mark Thompson that news programme Reporting Scotland can sometimes include "cat-up-a-tree-type stories".

But Mr Thompson said that the programme was "really strong" and that it had "grown in stature".

The BBC boss was giving evidence yesterday on broadcasting in Scotland to MSPs on Holyrood's Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee.

Mr Gibson argued that international news coverage would be increased if there was a 'Scottish Six' – a Scottish-produced national and international news programme.

The Cunninghame North MSP told Mr Thomson: "It would mean you would have less of the Mrs-McGlumpha's-cat-caught-up-a-tree-type stories that you sometimes get on Reporting Scotland.

"There would be things presented from an international perspective rather than at present, which is still on occasion mind-numbingly parochial in my view – that would be a better way forward."

However both Mr Thompson and BBC Scotland director Ken MacQuarrie defended their news coverage.

Mr MacQuarrie told Mr Gibson: "In terms of Reporting Scotland I don't agree with your description. The audience research that we get coming back is extremely positive and the performance of the programme is positive."

Mr Thompson said: "I think Reporting Scotland is actually really strong. I feel especially in recent years and especially with the devolved politics of Scotland to report on I think it has grown in stature."