Politicians call for signal improvement

Sep 21 2010 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

POLITICIANS have waded into the row over Freeview television coverage in Perthshire.

The PA reported on August 24 that Perth City North councillor John Flynn had vowed to contact the government after being made aware of “double-standards” in signal coverage, with many Fair City homes receiving only 15 channels, while others enjoy up to 44.

Writing to the region’s MP Pete Wishart and MSP Roseanna Cunningham, Cllr Flynn outlined the problem. “Since the changeover to digital transmission, people who are served from the regional transmitter at Craigie are receiving a reduced number of channels compared to those served from the Tealing main transmitter,” he said.

“I have received numerous calls of support from disgruntled people who are served by the Craigie transmitter, on realising the difference in service.”

Agreeing that Perthshire viewers are being “short-changed”, Ms Cunningham, who recently publicised the issue in her PA column, said: “I feel it is a scandal that ought to be addressed by the broadcasters and regulator.”

Ms Cunningham, who has flagged up her concerns in a letter to Digital UK, the not-for-profit company coordinating the switchover, asked her Westminster colleague Mr Wishart to pursue the matter.

Mr Wishart, who is the SNP’s spokesperson on culture and broadcasting, described the situation as a “massive disappointment”.

“I have raised the matter with other ministers, it is totally unacceptable that people of Perth do not get the same level of service as others in the UK,” he said.

“I will speak to Ofcom about the matter to try and resolve it – it is up to them to determine the way forward.

“What we need to explore is what it will require to get the same standard of service here.”

An Ofcom spokesman said: “Almost everyone can receive the UK’s public service television channels on Freeview.

“Public service TV signals are carried on three blocks of channels, known as multiplexes, and include about 17 channels including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. Before switchover people could only receive five channels.

“There are three further commercial multiplexes, which carry more channels, but are less widely available.

“This is because these are commercial services and it is a matter for the operators of those multiplexes to decide which services to carry and where in the country to transmit them.”

Cllr Flynn said he was “encouraged” with the responses, which he regarded as “extremely positive”.