CCG launch 2002/2003 annual report

"This was a year of contrasting fulfilment for Gaelic broadcasting: celebration at one level; frustration and apprehension at another," said Iain MacAskill, Chairman of Comataidh Craolaidh Gàidhlig, when he released CCG's Annual Report for 2002/2003 in Stornoway.
"In this 10th anniversary year of the first broadcast CCG-funded television programme there is no question that the strategic decisions taken by the Committee over the decade have been of significant benefit to the Gaelic community linguistically, educationally, culturally and economically", Mr MacAskill said.
But it hasn't been a chronicle of unbridled success, he added. Curtailment of the fund and rising production costs have led to a 25 per cent reduction in the number of programme hours originally envisaged. The continuing constraints of funding and scheduling have made the current provision of Gaelic programmes deficient and untenable. While the new Broadcasting Bill offers opportunities for future development, its failure to allow for additional resources makes the roadmap unclear and will present difficulties not only in moving quickly towards a dedicated digital service but in sustaining the current inadequate analogue provision.
Although the report alludes to some of the disconcerting problems confronting Gaelic broadcasting, it also cites positive achievements: continued support for a wide range of high quality programmes; inauguration of successful new projects; nurturing of effective partnerships; increased programme reach, especially in the elusive 16-34 and 35-44 age groups; an increase in viewing figures in the major timeslots; and a high proportion of funding for the independent production sector.
Regarding the future of Gaelic broadcasting, Mr MacAskill remarked: "The recent Communications Act replaces CCG with the new Gaelic Media Service.
The new organisation will have additional powers and membership. CCG will continue to play a proactive and constructive role in the transition. We are under no illusion about the formidable challenges facing Gaelic broadcasting and we must continue to strive towards the only objective that will satisfy the Gaelic community: a dedicated, comprehensive and properly resourced media service."
(GB)