Problems of Minority Language Broadcasting: Gaelic in Scotland

Abstract

As regionalization and ethnic differentiation reassert their importance on the European political scene, the provision of minority language broadcasting becomes an increasingly contentious issue. The 1980s saw the birth of television stations broadcasting in Welsh, Basque and Catalan, and the 1990s are likely to see more demands for such linguistic recognition. This article seeks to explore some of the problems associated with minority language broadcasting by examining one particular case: the development of Gaelic television in Scotland. A major increase in Gaelic broadcasting is currently underway. After first experimenting with a very low level of cultural programming, then of some current affairs and educational programming, the range is now being extended into light entertainment. Despite the increasing internationalization of the media, current trends towards regionalization and cultural fragmentation suggest that the outlook for such minority language media may not be as black as was once assumed, although there are clearly problems associated with such minority broadcasting.