The UK�s Culture Secretary yesterday indicated the government would work swiftly to help the broadcasting industry agree a new model to see it through the digital switchover and advertising downturn.

The UK's Culture Secretary yesterday indicated the government would work swiftly to help the broadcasting industry agree a new model to see it through the digital switchover and advertising downturn.

Andy Burnham told a Royal Television Society conference in London he hoped to announce a decision soon after media regulator Ofcom reveals the findings of its review of public-service broadcasting early next year.

He also announced plans to review the "crown jewels", those major sporting events protected on the free-to-broadcast list. The last review was 10 years ago. This prompted Alex Salmond to declare he will push for Scotland's international football matches to be aired free.

Welcoming the review of the list, the First Minister's spokesman said last night: "The Scottish Government firmly believes the Scottish Parliament, not Westminster, should have responsibility for broadcasting.

"If that were the case, we could ensure Scotland's home World Cup and European Championship qualifiers were broadcast on free-to-air channels and accessible to every Scotland fan.

"The First Minister has made it clear that it is unacceptable these games are not protected. Football is Scotland's national sport and for those in society who cannot access satellite television and are unable to attend games, there is no way to watch the team they support so passionately. Clearly, we believe the competitive games at Hampden should be protected.

"We welcome the review of listed sporting events and will make appropriate representations to ensure that the Scottish national team is back on the screens for all our citizens, as soon as possible."

Ofcom announced a range of proposals on Thursday to help commercial broadcasters fund the production of public-service content. It proposed that regional programmes on ITV could be slashed to help it save £40m a year. "It clearly is a priority for the government because we recognise that these are urgent questions that they're facing," said Mr Burnham.

"We're also saying this is an incredibly important industry to our country. So the government is very clearly signalling that we'll need to be swift."

He added: "I also think it is right that we should be stepping up the pace in the interests of viewers and the whole of the television industry.

"That is why government and Ofcom will be working on a twin-track approach, looking at the policy options and practicalities upon which I will need to decide. That way, early in the new year, Ofcom can conclude its review and government can announce decisions and the process to implement those decisions."

In his speech, Mr Burnham also questioned Jeremy Paxman's judgment in suggesting that white, middle-class men were overlooked by the BBC in favour of women.

The Culture Secretary said: "I wouldn't question Jeremy Paxman's talent or his expertise, but you do have to question his judgment on the plight of the lesser- spotted white, male middle-class broadcaster.

"It's still the case that young people from constituencies like mine in Leigh don't even get the same chance to be an overworked, underpaid dogsbody as children from well-connected media families."

Paxman said previously: "If any middle-class, white male I come across says he wants to enter television I say give up all hope. They've no chance."