Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Public Broadcasting in Scotland

15 June 2023 · 6 other contributors · 8,181 words

Opened by Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire

Responding minister: Not recorded

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Pete Wishart raised concerns about public broadcasting in scotland in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • The Scottish Affairs Committee reported on the prominence of Scottish television content and difficulties with Freeview viewership in Scotland.
  • The committee highlighted issues with Scottish football matches being pay-to-view while other UK regions have free access.
  • The lead MP requested legislation to ensure prominence for public service broadcasters on internet-enabled TVs and to address disputes with streaming services.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asked the government to bring forward legislation to ensure prominence for public service broadcasters on internet-enabled TVs, resolve disputes with streaming services such as Amazon's demands, and find a way to make Scottish football matches free-to-air broadcasting like in other parts of the UK. He also requested that the Government engage more closely on issues related to reserved broadcasting matters.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire

The Scottish Affairs Committee's report highlighted the prominence of Scottish television content, difficulties with Freeview viewership in Scotland, and the issue of Scottish football matches being pay-to-view while other parts of the UK have free access. The committee found that public sector broadcasting in Scotland is currently doing well but faces challenges such as ensuring continued accessibility for Freeview users until 2034 and addressing conflicts between public broadcasters and global streaming platforms like Amazon.

Other contributors (6)
  • Deidre Brock SNP Edinburgh North and Leith

    Deidre pointed out that it is disappointing given positive statements from Amazon and Netflix about collaboration with public service broadcasters, yet this issue has arisen.

  • Whitford SNP Central Ayrshire

    Emphasised the importance of free-to-air access for Scottish football matches, noting that 92% agreed Scotland's men's national team games should be available on free-to-air TV.

  • Gavin Newlands SNP Paisley and Renfrewshire North

    Worked to bring together football fans, the Scottish Football Association, and broadcasters to discuss issues around broadcasting rights for Scottish international matches.

  • John Nicolson SNP Nairn, Highlands and Isles

    John highlighted STV's challenge with a 30% revenue demand from other broadcasters, which could restrict its ability to invest. He emphasised the need for solidarity among broadcasters. Supports the Scottish Affairs Committee's call for an inter-ministerial group on media and culture to enhance coordination between Governments. Highlights that televised sports from England and Wales get more prominence than those from Scotland, despite being free-to-air. Argues for news based on merit rather than parochialism. Believes having a separate 'Scottish Six' and 'Scottish Nine' is crucial for credible news coverage in Scotland. Mr Nicolson briefly intervened but did not provide substantial points or statistics.

  • Philippa Whitford SNP Central Ayrshire

    Independent producers are no longer confined to London, with Channel 4 opening a hub in Glasgow that is promoting training and access to skills. Philippa noted the importance of this for the industry's future growth. It is not just about the lead story being Scottish, UK or international; there will be different views and perspectives on news from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is important to have the lens that the public wants on big stories regardless of where those originate.

  • Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South

    The MP thanked the Scottish Affairs Committee for their inquiry and highlighted the importance of Scottish broadcasting in the UK's creative sector. She mentioned significant achievements by broadcasters such as the inclusion of a Scottish family on 'Gogglebox' and deals that allowed Scottish football fans to watch matches on free-to-air TV. The MP expressed concern about outdated legislation supporting the broadcasting industry, particularly regarding the need for a prominence regime in the streaming age. She also raised issues around Freeview's future certainty and its importance to marginalised communities. Furthermore, she discussed sports rights agreements and called for reforms to address digital sporting rights. Lastly, she suggested reforming the apprenticeship levy into a growth and skills levy to enhance creative industry training.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy