New board member for MG ALBA

Ofcom has today announced the appointment of Iain Stephen Morrison to the board of MG ALBA, the body responsible for funding Gaelic-language TV programmes in Scotland.

Iain Stephen has been appointed for a four year term, effective from 10 August 2015.

Iain Stephen Morrison

Iain Stephen Morrison was nominated for appointment by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the principal public body in Scotland responsible for promoting Gaelic development and providing advice to Scottish Ministers on Gaelic issues.

Mr Morrison is currently editor of the local community newspaper Am Pàipear, based on the Isle of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. Am Pàipear has won two awards at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards 2015, as Community Newspaper of the Year and for its best use of digital media.

Mr Morrison has also worked as a broadcast journalist for the BBC and as researcher for the independent company, MacTV.

Iain Stephen said: "I am very happy to join the board of MG ALBA, where I hope to contribute to even further successes and achievements for the organisation. I am certain there are both challenging and exciting times ahead, but I am very much looking forward to getting to work straight away."

Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, said: “I am pleased to welcome Iain Stephen to the board of MG ALBA as Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s nominated member. His broadcasting and media experience will no doubt provide a valuable contribution to the board as they continue to work at securing Gaelic’s place within Scotland.”

The Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell MP, said: “I would like to congratulate Iain Stephen on his appointment to the board of MG ALBA. I recently visited MG Alba’s hub in Stornoway to see first-hand the tremendous strides they are continuing to make as they look to produce more and more high quality programmes.

“I am sure Iain Stephen’s grounding in a part of Scotland which traditionally has a strong connection to the Gaelic language, and his proven track record in journalism and broadcasting, will serve this outstanding organisation well.”

Maggie Cunningham, Chair of MG ALBA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Iain Stephen to the board of MG Alba. He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing the Gaelic community and brings key skills and knowledge about the possibilities for Gaelic in a digital age.”

Vicki Nash, Director of Ofcom (Scotland), said: “Ofcom was pleased to play its part in leading on the selection process for Iain Stephen who brings valuable skills and experience to the board”.

The appointment was approved by the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning. This followed an independent appointment and selection process undertaken by Ofcom in Scotland.