Mixed response to Communications Bill from CCG

The Gaelic Broadcasting Committee (CCG) have reported considerable disappointment in the Gaelic community in Scotland, as well as in other parts of the UK, that the draft Communications Bill had no mention of Gaelic broadcasting.
They also criticised that the accompanying policy document indicated that the recommendations of the Milne Report would not be implemented.
The policy statement, however, was hailed as an interim step towards a more comprehensive and coherent Gaelic television service. The statement proposed that the Bill be used to make a number of reforms to the current framework, building upon the existing structure of the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee (CCG) and establishing it as a statutory corporation subject to the oversight of OFCOM.
CCG issued the following statement in response to the draft Bill: “CCG welcomes explicit statutory powers and additional investment that will help to overcome the present difficulties in scheduling and commissioning, as well as the provision of strategic planning for a more effective and cohesive Gaelic television service in the longer term. It is important that the need of the Gaelic audience for a comprehensive range of programmes at suitable viewing times is met under the new structural arrangements that are being proposed. We look forward to participating in constructive discussions with all interested parties, not only to overcome current obstacle but also to work towards the challenges of the future.”
The necessary legislative provisions are not in the draft Bill, but will be included in the Bill when it is introduced in Parliament.
(GB)