BBC: Gaelic channel value test begins

Final scrutiny of a plan to launch a dedicated digital television channel for Gaelic programmes has begun.
The Gaelic Digital Service is to be run as a partnership between BBC Scotland and Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service).

The BBC Trust has begun a public value test and independent regulator Ofcom has launched a market value assessment.

Trustee for Scotland, Jeremy Peat, said the service must prove it is value for money to licence fee payers.

The BBC's national governor for Scotland also said the public value test will be a full and open assessment of the proposal.

Mr Peat said: "Public value is a difficult concept to get down into black and white and in figures, but we look at the reach, we look at the quality of programming, we look at the impact this type of activity has."

It is hoped the service will be on air by March 2008.

Archie Maclean, chief executive of Comunn na Gaidhlig (Gaelic Development Agency), said the channel may start with two to three hours of programmes which could be extended later.