A new digital TV channel for Scotland could be a "game changer" for the country's creative economy, according to a former Scottish Broadcasting Commission chairman.
Blair Jenkins told MSPs that the channel was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to make an impact in Scotland's media landscape.
Mr Jenkins, also a former head of BBC Scotland news and current affairs, chaired the Scottish Digital Network Panel, which last month published a report looking at how a Scottish digital network - which would include a TV channel for public service broadcasting - could be set up and funded.
The study comes after the Scottish Broadcasting Commission called in 2008 for the establishment of such a network, which would cost ￡75 million a year.
It concluded the licence fee would be the "most appropriate" source of funding.
Mr Jenkins appeared before Holyrood's Education and Culture Committee to give evidence on the proposed network as part of MSPs' ongoing consideration of broadcasting issues in Scotland.
He said the network, set up in the manner outlined in the panel's report, would provide new opportunities for those working in broadcasting in Scotland, particularly working in partnership with other organisations.
He said: "I would very much see the digital network as working in partnership with the likes of Channel 4, with BBC Alba as well, with broadcasters such as RTE, and other European broadcasters."
Mr Jenkins also said the network would have the potential to provide increased Scottish political programming, of which he said there is not currently enough coverage.
He said: "A lot of people in broadcasting and around are really disappointed with how broadcasting has responded to devolution. Any changes made in the last 10 years have been really pretty marginal. There are some very good programmes made but, there's no denying it, there isn't enough."
Source from:http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/digital_tv_channel_a_game_changer_1_2395829
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