THE BBC's next Royal Charter should include a commitment to increase original, high quality Gaelic programming, it has been claimed.
Much of BBC Alba’s output is from repeat programmes so MG Alba, the broadcaster which operates the channel in partnership with the BBC, wants to see new productions.
The channel started broadcasting in September 2008, and currently reaches on average more than 700,000 viewers per week in Scotland. In addition there are more than 100,000 viewings on the BBC iPlayer views each week.
The channel reaches on average between 16 per cent and 17 per cent of viewers each week in Scotland, and 70 per cent of Gaelic users.
However on current funding, only 1.7 hours of original programmes, including news, are possible per day, leaving a repeat rate on BBC ALBA of 73 per cent. This is significantly short of a goal of three hours or original programmes per day.
Maggie Cunningham, chairwoman of MG Alba, said: “BBC Alba has enjoyed considerable success since its launch seven years ago and as the first channel delivered under BBC licence through a partnership, it is unique in its achievements.
“The channel now reaches more than 700,000 viewers per week and has cemented its place in Scottish broadcasting, valued by both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers alike.
“However, the channel cannot stand still. The high viewership of BBC Alba has been achieved despite the significant number of repeats on the channel and it is clear that we must make progress in order to serve our Gaelic audience in a more comprehensive manner. We cannot risk audience fatigue setting in."
She said a lack of resources meant that there was no weekend news available in Gaelic and there was a significant lack of original programmes for children and young people. There were also major gaps in comedy, entertainment and programming for learners.
“We should not be downbeat about BBC Alba given what it has achieved, but with the BBC’s help we can build for the next stage of the channel’s life and increase the number of hours of high quality programmes per week, matching the contribution made by the BBC to other platforms such as S4C in Wales.”
She said there was great pride in the role BBC Alba had played in supporting Scotland's creative sector, with more than 20 indigenous production companies thriving thanks to commissions for content from the channel.
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