Gaelic Television and broadcasting
Broadcasting, especially television, plays an important role in supporting the Gaelic language. Scotland is enriched by the existence of Gaelic and the Executive was committed to creating a sustainable future for the language.
On 19 September MG Alba and the BBC will launch a dedicated digital Gaelic television channel that will, initially, be available on Sky, Freesat services or cable. More information on the channel is available from MG Alba.
Gaelic radio service are available on BBC Radio nan Gaidheal and some commercial and community radio services. and stv, stv north and on Freeview channel TeleG. Gaelic television programmes will continue to be broadcast on BBC2 in Scotland
MG Alba
MG Alba formerly the Gaelic Media Service (GMS) was set up by the Communication Act 2003 amendment to the Broadcasting Act 1990, when it replaced the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee. GMS has powers to fund programme production and development, training, audience research and related activities, and is the organisation charged with establishing the new digital Gaelic television channel. Scrutiny and monitoring of MG Alba is the responsibility of Ofcom, the communications regulator, as set out in the Communications Act 2003.
The Scottish Government provides MG Alba with £12.4 million a year to support the new Gaelic channel and to ensure that good quality Gaelic programmes are available on television and radio in Scotland.