Royal Society calls for Scottish news shake-up

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Pacific Quay

The BBC has failed in its intention to reflect change in the way the United Kingdom is governed, according to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).

RSE said it should be a priority to broadcast news which integrates Scottish, UK and international news.

Its report was drawn up by a committee headed by the former controller of BBC Scotland, John McCormick.

He was in charge at the corporation when such a plan was proposed in the late 1990s.

RSE, Scotland's leading academic institute, has called for a change in the way the BBC is governed, with more accountability to people in Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish administrations.

Mr McCormick added: "It is equally important that any new approach takes into account the asymmetry of the UK and in no way reduces the scale, scope or social relevance of the BBC."

Charter commitments

His report returns to the King Report in 2008, which had been commissioned by the BBC to look into reporting of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were covered in network news after the devolution of power in 1999.

In that, Prof Anthony King was strongly critical of the approach taken by network news.

The RSE said the corporation has yet to fulfil the recommendations in the King Report.

Its report states: "With the passage of the Cities and Local Government Bill in 2016, some 55% of the UK population will be experiencing a form of decentralised decision-making.

"Unfortunately, the BBC approach and tone continues to be too 'London-centric' with inadequate coverage of the devolved administrations and regions. It requires a culture change across the news directorate."

It has been reported that BBC Scotland is pitching within the corporation for a digital channel for Scotland as part of the Charter commitments after the end of 2016.

It is understood this would broadcast six hours each weekday evening and include integrated national and international news. A second national BBC Scotland radio station is also proposed under the plan, splitting news and sport from music, arts and entertainment.