The Big Issue | Original Source
If Scottish Independence becomes a reality, what will they watch on TV? In this week’s Big Issue, Thomas Quinn examines the SNP’s proposals to break up the BBC…
Pete Wishart MP, the SNP broadcasting spokesman, has floated the idea of a Scottish Broadcasting Corporation, believing that such a set up could provide more programmes on television and radio that reflect the Scottish experience.
But what is the Scottish experience? Wishart believes a priority should be a Scottish Six O’Clock News. The argument -roughly – is: ‘Why should Scots listen to Huw Edwards talking about declining standards in English A-Levels when they have their own educational system?’
Scottish programmes?
Some might argue that knowing what is happening in England is crucial to life in Great Britain, but then the SNP want to get rid of GB so you can see what he’s getting at.
In terms of other programming, Wishart isn’t one to be drawn into details. The referendum is two years away – long enough in the future for the party to be working on a “prospectus” for change, but not to have made up its mind. But this stance begs the obvious question, what Scottish programmes could an independent Scottish version of the BBC make that aren’t already there?
There is already extensive coverage of the SPL on radio and television highlights, a weekly Scottish soap (River City), local news programmes, including regular doses of Scottish Newsnight, not to mention various Scottish comedies and documentary series. The view at the BBC and from many in broadcasting is that the Scots agenda is already pretty well covered.
Ignored by the media? Are certain Scottish pastimes being overlooked? If so, what are they? Should there be more documentaries about hill-walking? More Gaelic? A television history of tartan? Is there something uniquely Scottish about living in Scotland that the media in its current form ignores? Apart from the copious amounts of rain, that is.
If there is a distinct Scottish experience, why isn’t a commercial broadcaster like STV already filling the void and making a profit from it?
The Big Issue would like you to tell them what programmes you would like to see on an independent Scottish BBC. Tweet @bigissue or email letters@bigissue.com.
