BBC Scotland going digital-only will leave viewers behind
The move to make the BBC Scotland channel an exclusively digital-first service on BBC iPlayer is a major blow for inclusion and Scottish broadcasting, say the Scottish Greens. It will also be the end of News at Seven.
The announcement comes amid wider cuts across Scotland’s media landscape. STV, the BBC and local and national print outlets across the board have lost staff, threatening the diversity and accessibility of Scottish news and culture.
Scottish Greens culture spokesperson Q Manivannan MSP said:
“This is a serious blow for Scotland’s media and my solidarity is with all of the BBC workers who will be impacted by it.
“It is a backwards step that risks leaving viewers behind, and reflects a wider cultural crisis in Scotland. Moving away from a traditional TV channel will only make BBC Scotland less accessible, particularly for older people and those who face barriers to getting online.
“Not everyone has reliable internet access, the right devices or the confidence to navigate digital services. Public broadcasting should be available to everyone, not just those who are digitally connected.
“BBC Scotland has been home to excellent Scottish programming and a launchpad for a lot of creative talent. We should be expanding access to Scottish stories and culture, not putting up new barriers.
“There remains a significant gap between the BBC’s license fee income in Scotland and BBC’s identified spend in our country.
“License fee payers here need guarantees that money raised in Scotland is spent in Scotland. A move to iPlayer cannot become cover for a smaller Scottish office, and channels like BBC Alba need support to ensure their survival.
“There are big challenges facing the BBC, and there have already been cuts which have been felt.
"The Scottish Greens are ready to support the Scottish Government in advocating for the protection of Scotland’s broadcasting sector, particularly in its conversations with Westminster about the BBC’s Charter renewal next year.
“At a time when Scotland’s media is already under pressure, we need to protect inclusive, accessible public broadcasting."