BBC’s commitment to Scotland to be discussed with MPs

BBC spend in Scotland has fluctuated in recent years and, despite Ofcom praising the BBC’s ability to support Scotland’s creative economy, the BBC missed its spend quota in Scotland last year.

 In addition, recent reports have suggested that control of two BBC Scotland studios could be taken over by BBC Studioworks in Elstree, Hertfordshire.  

The Scottish Affairs Committee held a previous session with BBC Scotland in 2018.

MPs will use Monday’s session to explore topics including: 

• The BBC’s commitment to Scotland;
• The BBC’s performance in Scotland;
• UK Government support for public service broadcasting;
• The impact of the rise of streaming services and social media;
• How an increasingly digital world could impact the ease at which non-English content – such as BBC Alba and BBC  Radio nan Gàidheal – can be found.

Ofcom has found that people in Scotland watch the most broadcast television of any UK nation, with BBC One productions being the top three most-viewed shows in Scotland in 2019.  

Witnesses:

Tuesday 20 July, from 10am

• Steve Carson, Director, BBC Scotland
• Louise Thornton, Head of Multiplatform Commissioning, BBC Scotland
• Gary Smith, Head of News and Current Affairs, BBC Scotland