Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has outlined the Scottish Government’s plans for a new federal BBC at a meeting with figures from the country’s television sector.
The government wants the corporation to operate under a federal structure, with separate boards made up of BBC staff and independent members in Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland.
It wants a “fairer share” of the overall BBC budget to be transferred to BBC Scotland and has also called for the development of a distinct BBC Scotland TV channel and an additional radio station.
The plans were first revealed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last month during an address to the Edinburgh International Television Festival.
The Scottish Government now has a formal role in the Charter Renewal process for the BBC and is consulting relevant people and organisations on its plans.
The next charter will form the basis for BBC operations over the next decade.
Ms Hyslop said: “Scotland has the right to expect something truly radical from the charter review, if the BBC is to meet the needs and reflect the lives of Scottish audiences to support the development of a sustainable production sector in Scotland.
“Today I have outlined the Scottish Government’s proposals for the future of the BBC: a federal BBC, with at least a board for each nation, with a mix of BBC staff and independent members.
“This model itself would not incur any great additional costs but would encourage independent decision-making over editorial direction, staffing structures and commissioning, and co-operation over the wider running of the organisation.
“This must be also be supported by a proportionate share of the BBC licence fee, ensuring spend in Scotland reflects what is raised in Scotland.
“There is currently a clear mis-match between the licence fee raised in Scotland and the amount spent in Scotland of around £120 million.
“This model would ensure resources can be stewarded intelligently in a way appropriate to the context – equipping the BBC in Scotland with more tools to deliver a high-quality service.
“This government has called for the creation of a new TV and radio channel, to support the demands of audiences and the TV sector.
“New television and radio platforms are the accelerator through which we can improve the sustainability of our production sector and make it more representative of life in Scotland.”