THE deaf community have hit out at BBC Scotland's decision to stop broadcasting daily briefings, saying it has "severe consequences".
As of Monday, it is understood the corporation will decide whether to provide live television coverage of the First Minister's press conferences based on their “editorial merit”.
It says it will continue streaming the briefings – which contain crucial information necessary for the public to play its role in containing the virus – live on its news website.
The briefings are currently shown live on both BBC One Scotland and the BBC Scotland channel, with some coverage also included as part of BBC Radio Scotland’s Lunchtime Live programme.
But the corporation has taken the decision to scale this back – despite the fact that the BBC Scotland television channel tends to air few shows before 7pm other than the briefings and First Minister’s Questions, opting instead to broadcast adverts for its programmes.
The move has sparked a furious backlash from across the political spectrum and members of the deaf community have said it removes "vital communication".
READ MORE: BBC to stop broadcasting all of Nicola Sturgeon's coronavirus briefings
Jamie Szymkowiak, who is the co-convener of the SNP Disabled Members group, said: "BBC Scotland's decision to stop broadcasting daily briefings has severe consequences for our Deaf community."
BBC Scotland's decision to stop broadcasting daily briefings has severe consequences for our Deaf community. An important thread and statement from @grantyferguson (Scotand's first elected Deaf BSL user): https://t.co/1g3mnip97U
— Jamie Szymkowiak (@jamieszymko) September 11, 2020
Councillor Grant Ferguson, who is also a member of the group, said: "I cannot believe that BBC Scotland is to cancel the daily Covid-19 briefings. This decision directly impacts the Deaf community as the daily BSL interpreting helps save lives and protect others
"Vital communication is removed – during a global pandemic - and is an infringement towards our human rights as there are no alternatives for the Deaf community to receive this essential information.
"Covid has proved to adversely effect people with underlying health conditions. We stand with others calling for BBC Scotland to reverse this atrocious decision. Scotland's public service broadcaster must not let disabled people down at this critical time."
A statement from @SNP_dmg Exec member @grantyferguson on @BBCScotland's decision to stop broadcasting daily public health briefings during a global pandemic: pic.twitter.com/0pOf6fEZXG
— SNP Disabled Members (@SNP_dmg) September 11, 2020
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