Scotland games on TV 'should be free'

SNP MSPs Keith Brown and Stuart McMillan have called on the UK Government to consider listing Scottish international football games as reserved for free to air television as they welcome a review of TV's sporting crown jewels.

Mr Brown and Mr McMillan have raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament
and with the UK Government after Scotland’s international qualifying
matches were sold to pay to view television companies.

The two MSPs will now write to the UK Culture Secretary to ensure the
status of Scotland games are considered in the review.

SNP MSP for Ochil Keith Brown who led a Scottish Parliament debate calling
for a review of sports crown jewels to include Scotland games said;

“Earlier this year I called on the UK Government to look at the list of TV
Crown Jewels and to consider putting some or all of Scotland’s qualifying
matches on free to air television – this is welcome start but there is
more to do.

“This review must listen to the voices of Scotland fans who want to watch
Scotland’s qualifying matches with their friends or family in the comfort
of their own homes.

“The evidence shows even 70% of people who would not watch the games agree they
should be shown on ordinary television.  The UK Government must act on
that evidence."

Fellow SNP MSP Stuart McMillan added his voice to the calls as he raised
concerns that whilst the BBC could find millions of pounds to purchase
rights to Formula One it was unable to find funds to bid for Scotland’s
international football matches.

“It seems to have taken the anguish of England fans whose recent games
were shown on Setanta to get through to the UK Government.  Scotland fans
have been raising these concerns for years as game after game has been
taken off terrestrial television but nothing has been done.

“Whilst football associations rely on TV rights for funding there must be
an alternative to the current terrestrial blackout on Scotland’s matches.

“With the BBC finding millions of pounds to buy Formula One it is a
disgrace that Scotland’s football matches are only available on
subscription TV.  This review must look at these anomalies and secure
Scottish football for our television screens.”