Consultation: BBC Scotland channel news provision

Ofcom is today seeking views following a request from the BBC to reduce the number of hours of news content that are required to be broadcast in peak time on the BBC Scotland channel. This request forms part of the BBC’s broader plans to adapt and modernise its news and current affairs output in Scotland to meet the changing needs of audiences.

Our evidence suggests that audiences in Scotland value news and current affairs content, but the way they consume it continues to change. In Scotland, like the rest of the UK, there has been a gradual decrease in broadcast TV viewing and a growing number of adults accessing news online.

In considering the BBC’s request we have assessed, among other factors, how the proposed changes will affect the BBC’s delivery of its Mission and promotion of the Public Purposes, including ensuring that audiences in Scotland are well-served with regards to news and current affairs content. We have also considered the potential impact of the BBC’s proposed changes on fair and effective competition.

Our provisional view, is that the BBC’s proposals for the BBC Scotland Channel would be appropriate for requiring the BBC to fulfil its Mission and promote its Public Purposes, and have the potential to meet the changing needs of audiences in Scotland. We also consider the risk to fair and effective competition is low.

We are now seeking views from interested or affected parties on this by 4 June 2024.

Responding to this consultation

Please submit responses using the consultation response form (ODT, 99.0 KB).