A campaign to keep the BBC digital radio channels on Freeview in Scotland has been initiated by MSP Murdo Fraser because towns such as Pitlochry and other communities in Highland Perthshire have poor DAB digital radio and FM radio can be of poor quality.
The MSP has written to Michael Lyons, the Chairman of the BBC Trust, asking for BBC Alba and the digital radio channels to both be made available on Freeview. The BBC Trust took the decision that it will cease transmitting the 13 BBC digital radio channels in Scotland once it starts to broadcast BBC Alba.
In his letter to the BBC Trust, Murdo Fraser stated: “A number of constituents have contacted me on the matter and are concerned at losing the digital radio channels..I would be grateful if the BBC Trust would investigate the possibility of keeping the digital radio channels. I would be interested to learn whether the BBC Trust would consider dropping another digital channel, such as a channel that is only broadcast in the evening and has a small audience, for example Rabbit or Gay Rabbit?”
The MSP added: “It is excellent news that BBC Alba will be shown on Freeview in Scotland and I support this move by the BBC Trust...However, it is disappointing that all Scots will lose the BBC digital radio channels on Freeview and I hope that the BBC Trust can have both BBC Alba and the digital radio channels alongside one another. Losing the digital radio channels is a big downside for radio listeners.
“I believe that the BBC Trust must keep the radio channels on Freeview and many households in Perthshire and across Scotland will agree that they must not be dropped.”