Date: 06 May 2009 Brocklebank: Voluntary Scottish music quota is ‘nationalist propaganda’ Ted Brocklebank MSP, Shadow Minister for Culture, has dismissed Scottish government plans to introduce a voluntary music quota as ‘nationalist propaganda’. The Scottish Government plans to urge broadcasters to ensure that at least 35% of their output is Scottish.
Ted said;
“This is an absurd proposal by Mike Russell, the Minister for Culture, and only highlights the Scottish Government’s preoccupation with promoting the kailyard and the parish pump. Once again, the SNP government is trying to force their idea of Scottishness onto the public. The SNP would be better advised to look at ways in which it can actively promote and nurture Scottish music, rather than impose it on the Scottish people.
“The Scottish Government is basing its ideas on the model adopted in Canada. However, the tests used in Canada to determine indigenous music are both superficial and confusing. If they were applied here we would have the ridiculous position of Scottish music and artists, such as Rod Stewart, not being deemed Scottish enough to warrant airplay. Instead of providing a healthier Scottish music industry, it is likely that the introduction of this kind of music quota would cause the opposite to occur.
“Industry experts advise that good music is not created by giving it an ‘easy ride’ onto the national airwaves. Adoption of a Scottish music quota would be more likely to cause listeners to switch channels, and damage our indigenous broadcasting industry.”
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