Independent TV production companies in Scotland are being invited to apply for training funding to allow them to build the staff skills necessary to provide programmes for a new Gaelic language TV channel.
MG ALBA is embarking on an ambitious programme of continuing professional development for producers and freelancers working in the Gaelic television sector, to support the production of high quality Gaelic programmes for the TV schedules of the new Gaelic Digital Service, to be run in partnership by MG ALBA and the BBC.
Over a two year period, MG ALBA will commit £260k to the scheme, allowing both new entrants to the industry and established professionals to access funding for training and CPD, providing up to 50% of the cost of training plans to match participants’ own investment or funding from other sources.
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: “We have supported training in the Gaelic television sector for many years through the Gaelic Television Training Trust, and we recognise that CPD is increasingly important in an industry that is evolving to meet the challenge of providing high quality content in the digital age. The new Gaelic Digital Service is giving production companies and freelancers the opportunity to make more programmes and hire new staff, and we want to ensure that they have the skills they need to create the content our viewers want to watch.”
Alasdair Smith, director of Skillset Scotland, the sector skills council for creative media, welcomed the news, saying: “Skillset is delighted to see MG ALBA making such a strong commitment to skills and training at a time when broadcasting in Scotland is under such scrutiny. Broadcasting is highly dependent on the skills of its workforce, particularly as the industry adapts to meet the challenges presented by new digital technologies. The financial support will be invaluable in helping companies and freelancers meet the demands of these new challenges and I look forward to working with MG ALBA up to and beyond the launch of the new Gaelic Digital Service.”
Linda Fabiani, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, said: “This Government is committed to strengthening the Scottish broadcasting industry, that is why we set up the Broadcasting Commission. Clearly, ensuring that the workforce has the opportunity to enhance their skills is an important factor in building the industry and this is particularly important for Gaelic broadcasting, given that the new channel will be launching soon. I am delighted that MG ALBA has made this strong commitment to supporting the training of the sector.”
Applications are invited by Friday 8 August 2008, and awards will be made by 22 August 2008. Information about eligibility criteria and further details of the scheme can be found at www.mgalba.com.
