SNP MSP Bob Doris has called for more Scotland international football games to be reserved for free to air television. A review of free to air events being conducted by the UK Department for Culture has this week come to the Scottish Parliament. Mr Doris has urged residents in Glasgow to come forward with proposals for any other events they think should be available on free to air TV.

He said: "Free to air television listings need to include the events of national significance that many people want to see. National football matches are only one example but a good example. We need to make sure that coverage reflects the importance of events and that people who do not have access to or cannot afford to buy premium TV services are not excluded from watching the national team."

Research for the Scottish Broadcasting Commission showed a majority of Scots support Scotland’s international football matches being available on free to air television. Mr Doris added: "For many Scotland fans, watching the match at home is not an option. We have this ludicrous situation where fans have to go to the pub if they want to watch it. It excludes young fans and puts pressure on hard-pressed families to take out a subscription to satellite or cable TV.

"There is overwhelming public support for bringing Scotland games, particularly our home games in the European Championships and World Cup to Scotland’s television screens.

"Last year’s study into Scottish broadcasting showed that 96% of football fans want coverage on free to air television and  70% of those not interested in football believe there should be public access to the Scotland teams international games.

"This review could easily include events that are non-sporting and I will be interested to hear what ideas people in Glasgow come up with."

Notes:

Public Attitudes to Broadcasting in Scotland (2008) asked the public if it supported coverage of Scotland’s national football team on free terrestrial television – 96% of those interested in football agreed and 70% of those who were not interested agreed that these football matches should be on terrestrial television.