³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba – a new channel for Scotland
FAQ
Q. What is ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba?
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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba is the new channel for Gaelic television programmes – a partnership between MG Alba and the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳.
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Q. How do I get the channel?
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On satellite: Sky channel 168 and Freesat channel 110.
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Cable: Virgin Media and other cable providers (the channel will be available in due course and this information will be advised when the start date and channel number are confirmed)
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Terrestrial: ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba will not be available on Freeview before 2010. The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Trust will be undertaking an evaluation before or during 2010.
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If you receive digital television by any other means, contact your service provider if you have questions about accessing ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba.
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Digital Switchover: For advice and information about the Digital Switchover, contact Digital UK by visiting www.digitaluk.co.uk or calling 0845 6 50 50 50.
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Further information: Visit www.mgalba.com or phone 01851 705550
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Q. When does ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alb officially launch?
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Friday 19 September at 9.00pm
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Q. When will the programmes be broadcast and what kind of programmes will be broadcast?
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On Friday 19 September from 9.00pm, the opening night schedule will see a live concert broadcast from the Isle of Skye. Following that viewers will see an original drama Eilbheas set in Seventies Lewis starring Greg Hemphill, and a gripping drama/documentary Peter Manuel – Deireadh an Uilc? (The End of Evil?) starring Andrew Clark.
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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba will be on air every day from 5.00pm until late.
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Programmes will include: Sports;
News;
Children's;
Entertainment programming for all ages.
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Programmes will also be broadcast for learners of Gaelic and those interested in Gaelic music, language and culture.
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Sports programming will begin on Saturday 20 September with News starting on Monday 22 September.
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Further information about ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba schedules and programming is available on www.mgalba.com or www.bbcalba.co.uk.
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Q. Where will the channel be based and how many jobs are involved?
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One of the major community benefits of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba is that it will be spread around Scotland. Continuity and channel management will come from Stornoway, the news service hub will be based in Inverness, and programmes will be transmitted from Glasgow.
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Programmes for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba are also commissioned from a number of independent production companies based throughout the country.
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Between MG Alba, the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ and the independent sector there are approximately 80 to 100 people working full-time on producing and broadcasting ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba programming.
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Q. What will this cost?
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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba is a free-to-air channel, so if you already receive digital television by satellite you will not need to pay any more to see the new channel.
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If you do not already have digital television, you will need to get new equipment to allow you to see ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba. Prices for satellite installation will vary and you should consult a TV supplier in your area.
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To find out about options for upgrading your television equipment, and for advice and information about the Digital Switchover, contact Digital UK at www.digitaluk.co.uk.
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Q. Who is responsible for providing the service?
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The channel is provided by the digital media partnership between MG Alba and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Scotland for the delivery of Gaelic services.
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MG Alba is a body funded by the Scottish Government and regulated by Ofcom.
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The television channel is licensed by the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ and is regulated by the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Trust.
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Q. Who are the key officials?
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Alan Esslemont (MG Alba) is Head of Content. Margaret Mary Murray (³ÉÈËÂÛ̳) is Head of Service.
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The Head of Content and Head of Service report to Bòrd ALBA, the joint management board established by the two organisations to run ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba.
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You can find out more about how the partnership works at www.mgalba.com.
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Q. How is the channel funded?
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The television budget for 2008/09 is £14million, £10m of this being provided by MG Alba and £4m by ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Scotland. MG Alba is funded by the Scottish Government and regulated by Ofcom.
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Q. Where can I get further information?
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Further information on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Alba content and schedules is available via www.mgalba.com or www.bbcalba.co.uk.
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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Scotland Press Office
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