Go-ahead given for Gaelic TV channel

PLANS to launch a digital TV channel dedicated to Gaelic language programming were yesterday given the go-ahead by the BBC Trust, on behalf of licence fee payers.

But the service – to be run by the BBC and the Scottish Government-funded Gaelic Media Service – will be slightly reduced to what was originally planned, in order to save money.

It follows the announcement yesterday of the outcome of a ‘public value test’, by the BBC Trust, which announced it was happy the service launch now on cable, satellite and broadband – but not for at least two years on Freeview (and only then after a review).

No Freeview means an annual saving to the BBC of four million pounds.

Said Jeremy Peat, BBC National Trustee for Scotland said: “The Trust has given the go-ahead for the Gaelic Digital Service to launch, but with conditions and some changes.”

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