Press Release

Following today's announcement by the BBC Trust approving BBC Alba carriage on Freeview, the BBC released this statement:

Director of BBC Scotland, Ken MacQuarrie, said: "It's just over two years since BBC Alba was launched and to date it has broadcast largely on satellite.

"From the outset Alba was licensed to broadcast on DTT (Freeview) but this was subject to review of the service.

"The Trust have announced their review and found that Alba is valued, not only by Gaelic speakers, but also by the wider cross-section of the audience.

"Further, the Trust has asked the Executive to implement their decision that Alba be shown on Freeview on DTT. This will make the channel more widely available for a wider audience.

"The Trust has remarked that this is a great example of a BBC partnership and I would like to thank the MG Alba chairman, board and staff for all they have brought to the service along with the BBC's Margaret Mary Murray for all her leadership.

"The service has been greatly appreciated by its audience and – I look forward to its continued success."

BBC Press Office