The Stage

BBC and MG Alba to launch Gaelic digital channel

Published Wednesday 13 August 2008 at 16:20 by Matthew Hemley

A digital TV channel dedicated to broadcasting Gaelic programmes will launch next month, with a drama starring Scottish comedian Greg Hemphill as Elvis Presley.

The drama - full details of which have yet to be unveiled - will run alongside a concert from the Isle of Skye, featuring music acts from Scotland, as part of the channel’s first night.

Called BBC Alba, the channel is a joint initiative between MG Alba, formerly the Gaelic Media Service, and the BBC.

It will feature a mix of sport, news, children’s programmes, documentaries and entertainment designed “to appeal to young and old alike”.

BBC Alba will be available on satellite and cable throughout the United Kingdom, with content also available online.

Alasdair Morrison, the chairman of MG Alba, said: “The launch of BBC Alba is a wonderful milestone for broadcasting. The most important priority for MG Alba is that viewers and listeners receive high quality television, radio and online services, and I’m delighted that we are establishing this new service through the historic collaboration between MG Alba and the BBC.”

Controller of BBC Scotland Ken MacQuarrie said the channel would “reach out to the wider Scottish audience by offering a range of attractive and compelling programmes.”

BBC Alba will start at 9pm on September 19.