Broadcasting
The broadcasting industries in Scotland are a successful and expanding part of its creative industries. The Government is committed to developing Scotland as a production centre for television, film and new media and we are working to ensure that the right conditions exist in Scotland to allow the screen industries to flourish.
Scottish Screen is the government funded national agency for the development of the screen industries. More information on the work of Scottish Screen is availalbe in thier website.
The Government also supports Gaelic broadcasting
Scottish Broadcasting Commission
On 8 August 2007, the First Minister established the Scottish Broadcasting Commission, during a speech on broadcasting in Scotland. Information on the work of the Commission is available on their website. The Commission will publish its final report in September 2008.
Digital Switchover
The Scottish Borders starts its switchover on 6 November 2008. Dumfries and Galloway will switch in 2009. The remainder of Scotland is scheduled to switch to digital during 2010. When each area switches to digital the analogue television that currently broadcasts will be switched off and a digital signal will replace it. Over 85% of homes are already receiving digital television.
The switchover process is being co-managed by the Department for Culture Media and Sport, the Department Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), the Office of Communications (Ofcom) and Digital UK. They have developed the Digital Switchover Programme to co-ordinate activities, together with other key stakeholders, until the process of digital switchover is complete. More information about digital television is available from Digital UK
Regulation of broadcasting
The regulation of broadcasting, including the BBC, is presently the responsibility of the UK Government. The UK Department responsible is the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS). The Office of Communications (Ofcom) is the independent regulator for broadcasting in the UK.
Complaints
The Scottish Government is not involved in complaints about television or radio programmes, television channels or radio stations or problems about interference or reception.
- Complaints about TV or radio reception should be directed to Ofcom, the independent regulator for broadcasting in the UK;
- Complaints about the content of a TV or radio programme should be made to the broadcaster of the programme; and,
- If you are unhappy with the way a complaint has been treated by a broadcaster you may consider raising your concerns with Ofcom.