MINISTERS from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have vowed to work together to ensure that the interests of all three devolved administrations are central to the future of the BBC.
Fiona Hyslop, Scotland's culture secretary, met Northern Ireland Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, and Welsh Deputy Minister for Culture Ken Skates in Glasgow to discuss the future of the BBC.
After the meeting they said they would "hold the UK Government and the BBC to account for the continued delivery of the public service broadcasting principles on which the BBC was founded" and "ensure the BBC’s clear obligation to provide services for all of its communities, is fully met in relation to both English and indigenous language broadcasting."
They also said they would "push the BBC to take a more representative approach to commissioning, talent development and production from and for all the nations and regions."
Ms Hyslop said: "The BBC’s recent Annual Report showed the corporation is currently failing to meet the expectations of the people of Scotland.
"More than half of our population don’t believe the BBC properly reflects their lives, and we’ve seen a decline in production spend here. But these BBC failures must fuel positive reform, not furnish excuses for cuts.
"BBC Charter renewal must be used as an opportunity to improve the corporation’s services so that it better delivers for Scotland and our people."
She said the Scottish Government would play an "active role" in the charter renewal process.
She added: "What is clear from today’s meeting is that the devolved administrations have many shared interests and ambitions when it comes to charter renewal – particularly around ensuring we are properly considered and consulted, and that our communities are better represented."
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