“It is right that the Trust has looked carefully at the value to the public, because it is important that we balance the needs of licence fee payers. But I’m pleased that the project is going ahead because I believe it will make an invaluable contribution to Gaelic as a living, growing language.

“Let’s not forget that this is not simply a case for more hours of Gaelic television. In an increasingly complex and convergent media landscape, it is essential for Gaelic to compete across a range of multimedia platforms and for it to be more widely available outside its traditional heartlands. Existing Gaelic output is of the highest quality; but the combination of a dedicated digital tv channel, BBC Radio Nan Gaidheal and more investment in Gaelic via BBC Online can only mean that Gaelic will be brought to a wider audience, and to new Gaelic speakers, across Scotland and beyond.

“I look forward to being able to watch the dedicated channel later this year.”

Ends

Media Contact: Nathaniel Mumford - 0207 270 6875 / 07771 938878

News Release: SS1221
Date: 28 Jan 2008

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