BBC questioned on new ‘channel for modern Scotland'
11 December 2018
The Scottish Affairs Committee hears further details of the BBC's proposals for the new Scotland channel, which is due to begin broadcasting in February 2019.
New plans for BBC Scotland channel examined
On Wednesday 12 December the Director of BBC Scotland will give evidence alongside the Head of News and the Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland about their plans for Scotland's new TV channel.
The new channel will have an annual budget of £32 million and is intended to be “a home for compelling, quality content that appeals to and reflects the diversity of Scottish audiences today.”
The channel will bring broadcast drama, comedy and news every day from February 2019. The channel will also be host to the first live recordings of proceedings in the Scottish Parliament, such as First Minister's Questions.
Purpose of the session
The Scottish Affairs Committee questions the BBC on how it plans to use the channel to boost the creative industries in Scotland, the impact of funding pressures in the BBC more widely and how the news coverage will reflect the issues that are important to viewers in Scotland.
Witnesses
Wednesday 12 December 2018, Wilson Room, Portcullis House
At 2pm
- Donalda MacKinnon, Director, BBC Scotland
- Gary Smith, Head of News, BBC Scotland
- Steve Carson, Head of Multiplatform Commissioning, BBC Scotland
Further information
Image: PA