SNP call for devolution of broadcasting powers

The SNP has reissued calls for Scotland to have broadcasting powers after the BBC’s national governor for Scotland.said the country was poorly served by the corporation.

Quoted in the Scotsman, former head of BBC Jeremy Peat said the “case for more and more production out of London remains and the pressure for increased devolution of programming must continue”.

He also said viewers north of the Border should be offered an alternative to “England-only stories”.

Stewart Maxwell, SNP MSP for West Scotland and convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee which has invited senior BBC executives to appear before the committee to give evidence on broadcasting, said:

“There is a clear need – and growing support – for broadcasting powers to be devolved. It is of vital cultural importance to Scotland.

“The UK Government must listen to these voices – especially when the former head of the BBC in Scotland says our country is poorly served at the moment and that he backs devolution of powers.

“Those on all sides of the political divide in Scotland acknowledge we need our own distinctive broadcasting space.

“We need a stronger voice and greater accountability – especially during this historic time when Scotland’s constitutional future is being debated.

“Current broadcasting arrangements are not meeting the needs of the people of Scotland and it is time for this to change. Westminster must take notice of the growing demand for Scotland to be accountable for broadcasting.”