Scottish Government

Executive Summary

Current position

• Broadcasting is currently a reserved matter, with key decisions being taken by the UK Government at Westminster.
• One consequence of this is that Scottish broadcasting has been marginalised within the UK framework.
• A key challenge, in establishing new operational arrangements for broadcasting in Scotland, would be to retain the best elements of the existing UK broadcasting system while allowing for a greater level of programming which reflects Scottish life.

Calman proposals

• The Calman Commission recommended that Scottish Ministers, rather than UK Ministers, should appoint the Scottish member of the BBC Trust. This change could be implemented immediately.
• Scottish Ministers could also be given responsibility for approving the appointment of board members of MG Alba.

Options for devolution

• There is scope to retain the major UK-wide broadcasting institutions while devolving greater powers to Scottish Ministers.
• Other countries in Europe (i.e. Spain and Germany) have devolved a greater level of responsibility for broadcasting than the UK Government
• There are a number of measures which could be adopted to strengthen accountability for broadcasting in Scotland - in particular granting the Scottish Government the power to establish public service broadcasting bodies, such as a Scottish Digital Network.

Further opportunities under independence

• Greater autonomy in broadcasting policy would give Scotland an opportunity to set priorities which are specifically attuned to the needs of viewers in Scotland.
• It is envisaged that the existing assets and staff of BBC Scotland would form the basis of a Scottish national broadcaster.
• We would be able to add national events which are prioritised and broadcast on free-to-air television. For example, Scotland's football qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championship are currently only available on satellite television, but a Government of an independent Scotland could make them available to all fans on terrestrial television.