Raw deal for BBC Alba

Published on Thursday 25 September 2008 01:08

The launch of the long-awaited Gaelic channel, BBC Alba (your report, 16 September), is to be greatly welcomed. However, the new channel will be broadcast only on Freesat and Sky, not on Freeview, stopping roughly two-thirds of all Scots from watching the new programmes. The date for the channel's appearance on Virgin Media's cable services is yet to be announced.

The delivery method is of key importance to BBC Alba's success. Because the channel has been tasked by the BBC Trust with attracting about 250,000 non-Gaelic-speaking viewers a week, yet is denied the most popular method of delivery, the channel is already fighting with one hand tied behind its back. The inclusion of the channel on Freeview would cost a mere 4 million and was a crucial part of the original plan.

The Department of Media, Culture and Sport in Whitehall and the broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, must insist the BBC puts the new channel on Freeview as soon as possible.

ALEX ORR

Bryson Road

Edinburgh