Free-to-Air Scotland Games, get it done!

Unleashing Unity: Why Scotland’s Free-to-Air Football Broadcasts Could Score Big for the Nation

In the ever-evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, a unique opportunity has presented itself.

With Viaplay’s recent exit from the UK market, the Scottish Greens have pinpointed a chance to revolutionize how Scottish football is viewed.

The proposition? Making Scottish international men’s and women’s football matches available on free-to-air TV.

It is not hard to imagine we saw it at 2020 Euros. the surge of national pride when families, friends, and communities gather around screens, big and small, to cheer for their national teams.

England, Germany and Spain, footballing giants in their own right, have all recognized the value of this shared experience. By ensuring their national football games are accessible to all, they’ve fostered a unified national spirit that’s palpable on match days. Local businesses and the wider economy too feel the ripple effect with increased patronage during these events.

Football, often termed the ‘beautiful game’, transcends the boundaries of a mere sport. In Scotland, it’s an emotion, a unifier. Especially in these challenging economic times, the joy of watching one’s national team shouldn’t be a luxury tucked behind a paywall. It should be a right, accessible to all. Gillian Mackay of the Scottish Greens echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for our youth to have role models in both men’s and women’s football.

Studies into the societal impacts of such shared experiences and watching national sports, show they create a sense of belonging, elevate morale, and can even catalyse community bonding. This isn’t just about viewership numbers; it’s about the intangible yet profound impact on the collective psyche of the nation.

Moreover, there’s a tangible economic angle to consider. Sports events that are broadcasted free-to-air often see a spike in merchandise sales. This isn’t mere coincidence. It’s a testament to the deeper engagement and connection audiences feel when they can freely access content.

Brazil’s vibrant streets during their national matches offer a vivid illustration of this phenomenon. The nation, known for its football fervour, ensures its major matches are freely broadcasted, resulting in a nationwide celebration that bridges socio-economic divides.

In conclusion, transitioning Scotland’s football matches to free-to-air broadcasting isn’t just a proposition for enhanced entertainment.

It’s a call to bolster national pride, to promote unity and inclusivity, and to offer every Scot, irrespective of their financial standing, a seat at the table to embrace the national team.

As the debate unfolds, one can only hope that the broadcasters and decision-makers recognize the impact of this potential shift and act in favour of the greater good.

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Join me, Chris Lavelle, on Horizon Glasgow, where I tackle the big ideas and local issues shaping our city and beyond. With a mix of local insight, my take on humour, and a no-nonsense approach, I’ll break down topics and share stories that challenge, inform, and push for a fairer, greener future. Let’s cut through the noise and get to what really matters.