This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Alasdair Morrison Says Digital Revolution Will Bring Golden Age For Small Broadcasters
31/03/2000
The advent and growth of widespread digital communication will trigger an explosion of smallscale broadcasters, Deputy Minister for the Enterprise in the Highlands and the Islands, Alasdair Morrison said today.
Speaking at an "Open Channels" Conference organised by the Association of Scottish Small-scale Broadcasters, Mr Morrison said:
"The changing pattern of broadcasting will bring new challenges but for small scale operators it will open up new opportunities.
"The twentieth century has often been described as the age of the mass media but paradoxically in the UK, there has always been a small number of broadcasters.
"With the onset of the digital revolution it is now becoming possible for many more people to broadcast either with a large organisation or individually.
"The Scottish Executive is committed to expanding all means of broadcasting. We recognise the growing need of ordinary Scots to find a platform for their views in the wake of devolution.
"Community media such as radio and broadcasting offer local people a platform through the actual production process or as interested listeners or viewers.
"It can create a greater sense of togetherness and satisfaction by engaging local people in debate about the area in which they live.
"You only have to look at the success of community media for particular groups like Scotland's Gaelic-speakers and Asian community to realise the potential long-term benefits for everyone.
"I wish the delegates gathered here today every success and look forward to them making a major contribution to Scottish society".