I'm keeping my eye on Scots content, minister tells Channel 4

Published on Tuesday 24 March 2009 21:03

MIKE Russell, the culture minister, publicly warned Channel 4's chief programmer in Scotland yesterday that he was keeping a "close eye" on the broadcaster's Scottish content.

Mr Russell told Stuart Cosgrove Channel 4 had repeatedly failed to meet its obligations to Scottish production companies to boost their share of broadcast programmes.

"After 26 years, hope deferred maketh the heart grow sick," Mr Russell said. "In those circumstances I regard it as one of my jobs as minister to keep the closest of eyes on the commitment that has been made and ensure they are fulfilled."

As the two men locked horns in a industry meeting at the Scottish Screen agency, Mr Cosgrove, head of nations and regions at Channel 4, insisted the broadcaster had "never failed any statutory obligations in Scotland".

Mr Russell called the meeting yesterday to field questions on the progress of the Creative Scotland quango.

Many in the Scottish film industry are concerned by the folding of Scottish Screen into the new agency with the Scottish Arts Council.

Mr Russell pledged a "seamless" transition to the new quango, saying that arts companies that currently received "foundation funding" would not face disruption.

The BBC has pledged to boost its programming from Scotland to 8.6 per cent, in line with the population share. Mr Russell complained that Channel 4's share is closer to 2 per cent.

But Mr Cosgrove said Film4, the channel's film production network, spent a disproportionate amount in Scotland, backing films such as The Last King of Scotland.