CCG report accentuates the positive

Stornoway based Comataidh Craolaidh Gaidhlig (CCG), The Gaelic Broadcasting Committee, have released their annual report for 2001/02 today, August 6, 2002.
Iain MacAskill, CCG Chairman, said: "CCG continues to be faced with formidable challenges during this period of transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. A static fund, escalating programme costs, erratic scheduling and a prevailing climate of uncertainty for Gaelic television are not conducive to the kind of progress that the Gaelic community has a right to expect."
Although the report cites the problems and challenges facing Gaelic broadcasting, it also notes positive achievements: innovative developments in drama, topical, education, and children's programmes; a new inter-active web-site for young people; production of programmes of high quality; effective partnerships; sustained audience appreciation and loyalty and the highest ever allocation of funding to the independent production sector.
The report highlights several important developments, including the short-listing of seven CCG-funded programmes for awards at the Celtic Film and Television Festival, commencement of the new topical programme Ceann-La and the upgrading of Studio Shiphoirt in Stornoway from analogue to digital capability.
The report also cites increased Gaelic audience viewing figures and reach, and high appreciation indices for drama, discussion, documentary and music/arts programmes.
"In its tenth year of operation Comataidh Craolaidh Gaidhlig continued to maintain its commitment to existing Gaelic broadcasting services and to the momentum towards a digital Gaelic television service, controlled by Gaels on behalf of the Gaelic community. I look forward to a robust role for CCG in shaping the future of Gaelic broadcasting. Our experience and achievement over the past ten years provide a strong foundation for the development that will be required in the decade ahead," Mr MacAskill concluded.
(GB)