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BBC ALBA Under Review
The BBC Trust is to carry out a review of BBC ALBA, looking
at the performance of the channel since launch in 2008, and consulting on
whether the channel should be made available on Freeview by removing the
BBC's radio stations from the digital terrestrial TV platform (DTT) in
Scotland whilst BBC ALBA was broadcasting.
In January 2008 the BBC Trust, the BBC's governing body, approved BBC ALBA
for launch.
The Trust had subjected the BBC Executive's proposals for the
channel to a full Public Value Test that concluded that the channel should
launch but should be subject to a review before digital switchover in
central and northern Scotland in 2010.
As part of the review process the Trust will ask the public and stakeholders
to submit their opinions on the service and how it could be available in the
future.
The review will cover two areas:
Part one will look at how well the channel is performing, whether the
channel is achieving a wide appeal to viewers beyond existing Gaelic
speakers, and whether it is contributing to the broader educational strategy
for the language
Part two will look at whether the channel should be made available on
Freeview. Due to cost and capacity restraints on DTT, the BBC Executive have
suggested finding room for BBC ALBA by removing the BBC's radio stations
from Freeview, in Scotland only, during BBC ALBA's broadcasting hours.
The review will also consider whether the Gaelic zone on BBC Two Scotland
should remain.
Jeremy Peat, BBC National Trustee for Scotland, who is
leading the review for the Trust, said: "BBC ALBA has been popular since its
launch, but we now want to see whether it is measuring up to the challenges
we set it last year. We'll be looking at how well it is bringing new
speakers to the Gaelic language and what current and potential future
viewers think of it as a service.
"We will also be investigating whether BBC ALBA should be on Freeview
instead of the BBC's radio stations. We want to hear what the public think
and whether they want ALBA on Freeview or would prefer to keep the existing
BBC radio stations.
"We'd encourage everybody who has an opinion about the service, its
availability and how they'd like to see it change, to get in touch with us."
15:11
October 26 2009 - waveguide.co.uk
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EastEnders
- The Jacksons Are Back
The Jackson family are to return to EastEnders next year, the
BBC confirmed today.
Carol Jackson, played by Lindsey Coulson, returns to Walford
early next year, as do three of her children, Robbie, Sonia and Billie.
Robbie Jackson, played by Dean Gaffney, last popped into Walford for a
fleeting visit to attend sister Sonia's wedding to Martin.
He has been living happily in India with his girlfriend Nita.
Speaking of her return, Lindsey Coulson said: "I'm thrilled to be returning
to EastEnders after all these years.
"I'm also excited and intrigued to find out what Carol and her family have
been up to since we last saw her and where she will be going next."
Natalie Cassidy said: "To be invited back to EastEnders is such an honour
and I am very very excited that Sonia is coming back.
"For me, to be reunited with the original Jacksons is a dream come true and
I think it will be a fantastic storyline."
Dean Gaffney said: "I am really looking forward to returning to EastEnders
for what looks set to be a really exciting storyline.
"I was thrilled when Diederick called me personally to ask for Robbie to
return once more and working alongside Lindsey, Natalie and Patsy again
makes it all the more special.
"I'm sure with the family being reunited it will mean that there must be a
lot of drama in store."
Diederick Santer, Executive Producer, EastEnders, added: "I'm so excited to
see Lindsey back at EastEnders, and the fact that we've got Natalie and Dean
as well makes it extra special.
"This family were the original EastEnders Jackson Five, and I can't wait to
see how they've grown and changed.
"These returns all contribute to the excitement and drama of EastEnders'
25th anniversary."
The Jacksons:
Carol Jackson first appeared in Walford on November, 16 1993
and her last appearance was 7 October 1999.
Carol is the mother to Bianca, Robbie, Sonia and Billie.
During her time on the Square Carol went through many ups and downs but her
most notable moment came when she realised that her daughter Bianca was
having an affair with her own boyfriend, Dan Sullivan.
When Carol found out she confronted Bianca in front of everyone in the Queen
Vic which ultimately led to Bianca leaving the Square and her marriage to
Ricky ending.
Carol and Bianca have not patched up their differences since and have rarely
spoken.
Carol eventually left Walford in October 1999 to tend to her sick mother who
subsequently passed away.
Robbie Jackson first appeared on screen on the December, 14 1993 and left
for India with his girlfriend Nita in February 2003.
He made a one-off appearance in June 2004 for Sonia and Martin's wedding.
Sonia Fowler first appeared on screen on December, 21 1993 when she was
eight years old and was never far away from her trumpet. She left Walford
with Martin and Rebecca in February 2007.
Billie Jackson was seen in the Square in December 1993. He was originally
played by Devon Anderson. A new actor is to be cast in the role of Billie.
10:30
October 26 2009 - waveguide.co.uk
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