One of the issues I have been writing about recently is the effect that devolution has brought to the UK in terms of public policy creation. There are now a number of examples of policies put forward in the devolved areas and then copied by politicians elsewhere. It is a wonderful process for governments because they get the benefit of monitoring implementation of new laws in defined areas, learning lessons and then putting forward their own version of legislation. Until now, keeping fully abreast of the political scene in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales has been a task for public affairs people based in London. This week I had Freesat installed and am now able to know what is being said and done in devolved countries through my ability to watch channels such as BBC Alba in Scotland and S4C in Wales.
Eorpa, a Gaelic current affairs programme from Scotland was this week looking at issues created by S4C's funding in Wales being allocated to the BBC. It was a new experience to see Aled Eirug, a friend and former BBC executive talking in Welsh, with someone providing a voice-over in Gaelic and with an English subtitle. Lets hope that greater access to TV programming from all parts of the UK might serve to benefit the public affairs community in creating greater awareness of what policy areas are up for discussion.
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