Age Scotland statement on BBC coronavirus briefing decision

The regular coronavirus news briefings from the First Minister and Scottish Government have been a hugely valuable source of information and advice for older people in recent months.

They have meant that the hundreds of thousands of people without access to the internet are, largely, as informed about the national response and the impact on their lives as everyone else.

The majority of older people primarily get their news from the TV so it is absolutely vital that they do not miss out and fall foul to a digital- by- default approach to public information and advice, which has become all too common recently.

This is clear from the huge numbers of calls Age Scotland’s 0800 12 44 222 helpline receives immediately after major briefings as older people seek clarification and further information on what has just been announced.

While it is clear that live coverage is not going to disappear altogether, the BBC must assure older people, and the general public, that that they will be robust in their broadcast reporting and that screenings of briefings will continue regularly.

It is important that the Scottish Government and BBC, as a public service broadcaster, work together to make sure this happens so that timely information is available as comprehensively as possible.

This makes absolutely clear how important TV and radio is to older people and demonstrates why removing the free TV licence for all over 75s during the coronavirus pandemic has been an ill-timed folly.

We are far from clear of this crisis and each and every one of us must be well informed and do our part to keep ourselves and others around us safe.