Jason Rust: Scottish broadcasting needs decisive action

Published on Monday 13 April 2009 09:58

SCOTTISH broadcasting is at an important crossroads where it needs to be reinvigorated and remodelled to achieve the Scottish public's needs.

The Calman Commission's interim report on the future of Scottish devolution stated that devolution of broadcasting merits further consideration.

Arguably the Scottish Parliament should be much more involved in decision-making related to funding and given scrutiny rights to ensure Scotland receives its fair share of network production.

The BBC has promised to increase Scotland's share of network production to nine per cent by 2016, and it is important that Channel 4 follows. Ofcom has proposed a quota of just three per cent for production from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland combined. This is far short of the level required to allow the sector to move forward and develop.

STV's future is precarious. For many broadcasters, the benefits of holding a Public Service Broadcasting licence will soon be outweighed by the cost of providing news and current affairs content at the required level.

STV has estimated that it could require an injection of up to 5 million a year.

The need for competition is at the heart of quality broadcasting. Although the BBC may have an annual income that is more than all the commercial broadcasters combined, the role of commercial channels in spurring creative competition can't be underestimated.

It is imperative that STV continues to provide Public Service Broadcasting for Scotland as part of a wider UK network. The extra funding required could come from the sell-off of the digital spectrum, which may fetch 33 billion.

The future of Scottish broadcasting is potentially bright. There is no reason why the number of strong TV production companies in Scotland should not grow whilst also providing the quality local television alternative that the Scottish public deserve.

Jason Rust is Conservative councillor for the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward