CULTURE ministers from the UK’s three devolved administrations have agreed to work together to ensure that they have a formal role in renewing the BBC Charter.
Scotland’s Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Northern Ireland Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, and Welsh Deputy Culture Minister Ken Skates met in Glasgow yesterday, and said they would hold the UK Government and the BBC to account for the continued delivery of public service broadcasting principles on which the BBC was founded.
In a joint statement, they said they would ensure each devolved administration was guaranteed a formal, consultative role in developing and agreeing the new BBC Charter and that the broadcaster provided a “truly representative service” to all the communities, regions and nations of the UK.
They also wanted make sure the BBC’s “clear obligation” to provide services for all of its communities was fully met in English and other languages.
The statement added that they would push the BBC to take a more representative approach to programme commissioning, talent development and production from and for all the nations.
Hyslop hosted yesterday’s meeting, after which she said the BBC’s latest annual report showed it was “failing to meet the expectations of the people of Scotland”.
“More than half of our population don’t believe the BBC properly reflects their lives, and we’ve seen a decline in production spend here,” said Hyslop.
She added: “But these BBC failures must fuel positive reform, not furnish excuses for cuts. We’ve made clear the Scottish Government intends to play an active role in the charter renewal process and today’s meeting formed part of our firm commitment to ensuring Scotland’s voice is heard.
“What is clear from today’s meeting is that the devolved administrations have many shared interests and ambitions when it comes to charter renewal – particularly around ensuring we are properly considered and consulted, and that our communities are better represented.”
Skates said: “It is vital the new agreement ensures there is sufficient funding for news and non-news programming in Welsh and English and for S4C. It must also fully reflect the interests of the people of Wales and the current and changing devolved settlement.
“Any additional funding cuts would further limit BBC Wales and S4C’s ability to meet the needs of its viewers and listeners. The future of broadcasting in Wales is now in serious jeopardy, and poses serious risks to both the Welsh language and our economy.”
Ní Chuilín said the BBC had to continue to embrace and develop its commitment to its public obligations and this was an opportunity to deliver this for the people of Northern Ireland.
“In moving forward there needs to be greater emphasis placed on home-grown productions and the harnessing of local talent, she said.
“The opportunities for local companies and individuals must be maximised and there must be increased commissioning of original programming showcasing our local communities and what they have to offer.”
She added: “I welcomed the opportunity today to meet with my Scottish and Welsh counterparts. There is a clear belief that the shared interests of the devolved administrations must be championed vigorously during the ongoing discussions surrounding the future shape and output of the BBC.”
Yesterday’s meeting was one of a series of ongoing discussions between the devolved governments on broadcasting issues, including governance, production, indigenous language services and wider public sector broadcasting.
The Scottish and UK Governments agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June guaranteeing the Scottish Government will be consulted during the process of charter renewal.
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