Identify gaps in universality of access and develop a strategy for addressing them.

Following the Trust’s approval of Freesat and the BBC iPlayer, the BBC Executive has been asked to develop a strategy for DAB which will be considered by the Trust in the year ahead. We noted reception problems for BBC services on some key routes in the Highlands, and the technical challenge this poses, and asked the BBC to devise options for improvement.

In the light of the Nations’ Impartiality Review, the Council’s comments in relation to this issue, and the continuing process of devolution in the UK, especially in Scotland where the process is most advanced – ensure that the BBC’s public purposes and journalistic remit are fully achieved with regard to reporting Scottish affairs in a devolved UK; considering the range of options available if the current schedule is deemed to be a constraint.

In June 2008 the Trust concluded that BBC network news should do more to accurately reflect policy debates and decisions in each of the four nations of the UK, and BBC management responded with a comprehensive action plan to achieve this. Members of the Council monitored network news coverage of Scottish affairs throughout the year and conducted a close study during one week in the autumn. Reporting to the Trust’s Audiences and Performance Committee in February 2009, we concluded that there had been improvements in accuracy, but that the constraints of covering the affairs of four nations meant that Scottish perspectives, and those of other devolved nations, remained marginal and were covered in insufficient depth. We asked that the options for improving BBC news services in Scotland be reviewed. As a priority for 2009/10, the Trust has said it would be mindful of the importance attached by the Council to ensuring the delivery of a national news service for audiences in Scotland.