Freeview launch date for BBC Alba

Published on Monday 23 May 2011 14:44

The BBC has announced the date when its Gaelic language television channel will go live on Freeview.

BBC Alba will be available on channel 8 from 8 June, widening transmission from satellite and cable.

But the move will affect some radio stations because of a lack of bandwidth. Ten stations, including Radio Scotland and Radio 1 and 2, will be unavailable on Freeview when the Gaelic channel is live, usually after 5pm on weekdays. Listeners will be have to access those channels online or on FM and MW.

To publicise the move, the BBC has launched a campaign called "Open Your Eyes", endorsed by First Minister Alex Salmond.

He said: "Increasing access to BBC Alba supports this government's ongoing work to build a sustainable future for Gaelic as we celebrate its contribution to our culture and society, and encourage a new generation of Gaelic speakers across Scotland."

BBC Scotland director Ken MacQuarrie said: "We know that viewers who already tune into BBC Alba really appreciate the variety and quality of the programmes it offers. Making it available on Freeview and cable now means that audiences throughout the whole of Scotland will be able to enjoy these programmes in addition to those already watching on satellite."

Alasdair Allan, SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Western Isles), said: "This is just one step on a long road to building a viable future for the Gaelic language, but it is a hugely important one.

"I look forward to the benefits that such an increase in TV exposure will bring for BBC Alba and Gaelic."