BBC U- turns on decision to stop daily briefings

BBC Scotland will screen Nicola Sturgeon’s coronavirus briefings over the “coming weeks”, as the corporation looks to adapt how it covers the daily updates from the First Minister.

The broadcaster sparked an outcry when bosses said last week they would no longer always provide live coverage of all of the regular briefings – explaining at the time they would decide if these should be televised based on “editorial merit”.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney branded the move a “matter of regret”, with others from the SNP questioning the move at a time when coronavirus cases are increasing again.

Meanwhile Donald Macaskill of Scottish Care, the body which represents independent care homes, has said he was “very disappointed that in the midst of the largest public health emergency ever that @ BBCScotland has decided to cut back coverage”.

Pro- independence group All Under One Banner held a socially distanced rally outside the BBC’s Pacific Quay headquarters yesterday ( pictured).

Now, a BBC Scotland spokesman has confirmed: “Whilst there continue to be major developments in the pandemic in Scotland, we will, over the coming weeks and as we have done this week, look to cover the Scottish Government health briefings live on TV.”

He added: “There are clearly strong editorial reasons for continuing to do so at the moment.”

Meanwhile, BBC Scotland is now looking to “enhance” its coverage of the briefings, by bringing in “other voices and other perspectives”.

Scottish Conservatives had previously criticised the broadcaster for the amount of coverage it was giving the First Minister.

In an email sent to BBC Scotland staff, director Donalda MacKinnon revealed: “We will incorporate other voices and other perspectives alongside the briefings.”