Calls have been made for a new long term funding model to secure the future of Gaelic broadcasting, with Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess warning that annual funding settlements are preventing services from planning for the future and reducing opportunities for Gaelic speaking communities.
The Scottish Greens MSP is backing proposals for multi year funding for MG Alba, the organisation responsible for delivering BBC Alba and other Gaelic broadcasting services, arguing that greater financial certainty is needed to support programming, jobs and the long term future of the language.
Gaelic television and radio services play an important role in communities across the Highlands and Islands, providing news, drama, education and entertainment while also supporting employment in journalism, television production and the wider creative industries.
However, funding provided jointly by the Scottish Government and the BBC is currently agreed on a year by year basis and, according to the Scottish Greens, has failed to keep pace with inflation over the past three years.
The party says that has contributed to a 28 per cent reduction in new Gaelic programming over the past decade despite recent legislation aimed at strengthening and promoting the language.
The call comes as the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee examines how Gaelic broadcasting services are funded, with members of the public invited to submit evidence to the inquiry until 12 August.
Ariane Burgess said:
“We live in a world where media is around us 24/7.
“It gives us a window on the wider world but also allows us to speak back to ourselves, defining our Scottish identity and what it is to be a part of a community.
“Having a Gaelic presence on TV, radio and social media is a vital public service.
“It adds to the richness of our culture, not just in the Highlands and Islands but across Scotland and the wider world.
“It also allows us to reflect on our history, interrogate the issues of today as well as look forward to the future.
“Unfortunately, Gaelic broadcasting has had to operate with a woefully small amount of money that isn’t proportionate to the service it provides.
“This has meant fewer programmes, more repeats and a downward spiral in job opportunities for the Highlands and Islands, particularly in journalism and the creative sector.
“In Wales, where the official recognition of their language is arguably several years ahead of where we are, Welsh language broadcaster S4C receives around 10 times the Budget the Scottish Government and the BBC put up for Gaelic broadcasting services.
“As well as not having enough money to provide the service audiences deserve, the lack of a multi year funding package means it’s incredibly difficult for the likes of BBC Alba to create high quality TV programmes or to put in place a strategy for how it will meet the challenges and opportunities of the age of streaming and social media.
“With a new BBC charter on the way in 2028, I’d urge the Scottish Government and the public broadcaster to put more funding into Gaelic broadcasting and to make this funding part of a multi year package.
“BBC Alba and Radio nan Gàidheal already produce excellent programmes when given the chance.
“With a proper funding model, they can provide the widescale public service broadcasting our Gaelic communities need and deserve.
“I’d urge everyone to write into the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee to make this point and push for better services.”
The Scottish Affairs Committee’s inquiry will examine how Gaelic broadcasting is currently supported and whether changes are needed to ensure services continue to meet the needs of Gaelic speaking communities across Scotland for years to come.
