28 August 2006

GMS welcomes increased commitment of BBC to Gaelic broadcasting

Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service) has welcomed the commitment made by Mark Thompson, Director General of the BBC, to the establishment of a new Gaelic digital service.

Said Mr Campbell, "We are now entering a phase of detailed preparation to create a new Gaelic television channel with online and other resources. We are delighted that the BBC will make a substantial additional financial commitment and believe that this is a key step forward in that process, hopefully bringing an overall funding package within sight. Securing this will pave the way to delivering the new service in 2007."

Notes to Editors

Gaelic Media Service (GMS) is a publicly funded body constituted by the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as amended by the Broadcasting Act 1996 and the Communications Act 2003) and regulated by Ofcom. The remit of GMS is to ensure that a wide range of high quality television and sound programmes in Gaelic is available to persons in Scotland and to do this GMS is empowered to fund, commission or produce programmes and to engage in the provision of training, development and audience research.

The key aim of GMS in 2006 is to create a sustainable Gaelic Digital Service, comprising a television channel and other media, for launch in 2007. GMS has reached agreement in principle with the BBC that both parties will work in partnership to create a new service that is vibrant, comprehensive, cost-effective, contemporary and reflective of the finest qualities of public service broadcasting.

For further information:

Donald Campbell, Chief Executive, Gaelic Media Service
Tel: 01851 705550
www.gms.org.uk