Half of programmes on new BBC Scotland channel to be repeats

As much as half of the programmes shown on a new BBC Scotland channel will be repeats, with the national broadcaster arguing this will improve the quality of original shows.
The new BBC Scotland channel could be broadcasting by late 2018. Picture: John DevlinThe new BBC Scotland channel could be broadcasting by late 2018. Picture: John Devlin
The new BBC Scotland channel could be broadcasting by late 2018. Picture: John Devlin

Details of the proposed digital station, which will include a weekday 9pm news programme, were released ahead of an Ofcom public consultation.

The BBC revealed the station will include 50 per cent repeats but it will also broadcast new drama, comedy, sport and arts shows.

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Original plans offered less repeats but it was decided that increasing the money spent on fewer hours of original content would improve its standard.

“There will be a question mark over the number of repeats – BBC 4 had some original content and now it is dominated by repeat programmes,” John Cook, professor of media at Glasgow Caledonian University told The Herald.

“The danger is that will happen again,” he said. “The question will be there be enough of an audience for such as station?

“I think there has always been a political imperative to this station, but whether it will draw an audience – that remains to be seen.”

The final Ofcom decision on the new channel is expected in June 2018 and it could start broadcasting in the autumn.

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