Holyrood calls for control of broadcasting

THE Scottish Government today set out its case for Holyrood being given more control of broadcasting.

It said Scotland should have the right to establish public service broadcasting institutions, have a say on the licence fee, be able to intervene in local cross-media mergers that affect Scotland and have the power to insist on key events – like international football qualifying matches – being shown live on free-to-air television.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the proposed powers would also allow progress on establishing a Scottish Digital Network.

She said: “It is clear current broadcasting arrangements are not meeting the needs of devolution in Scotland. We are proposing sensible and proportionate changes to the Scotland Bill which will improve accountability and responsibility for broadcasting in Scotland, to the benefit of all.”