Today we’ve welcomed news that BBC Scotland is to set aside an extra £5 million for dedicated coverage of the 2014 Independence Referendum.
We are now looking at a team of 50 tasked with providing coverage and encouraging debate at national and local level – and online.
Over 4 million registered voters will make a decision on the future of their country in 2014 – and £1.25 per head seems a small price to pay for a proper debate. We now have a much better chance of the 2014 referendum being an example of excellence in democratic practice.
The importance of the vote on Scottish Independence in 2014 is beyond doubt. But it is unclear if voters will have the information they need to make an informed decision.
The two campaigns will offer us soundbites, ‘confusion marketing’ and attack ad politics. Voters deserve better.
It has long been the job of the public service broadcasters to see beyond the hyperbole of professional political campaigners. This funding should be used for high quality, ethical journalism to achieve just that.