The Irish-language station TG4 should be added to the list of 30 free TV channels made available today through the launch of a new digital television service, the SDLP has claimed.
Mid Ulster Assembly candidate Patsy McGlone expressed his disappointment that TG4 was not among the roster of channels available to digital viewers free of charge in Northern Ireland through the new Freeview service today.
Freeview, which has replaced ITV Digital as the UK's terrestrial digital television service, was launched by the BBC, BSkyB and Crown Castle and offers a package of 30 non-subscription television and radio channels.
For a one-off purchase of £99 for a special digital adaptor, viewers will be able to watch free of charge through a normal TV aerial a range of new channels such as BBC3, BBC4, BBC News 24, ITV2, ITV News, Sky News and other music, children's, history, travel and shopping channels.
They will also receive the standard five terrestrial channels - BBC1, BBC2, UTV, Channel 4 and Five - and will have free access to interactive television and 12 radio stations.
In Wales, digital viewers were also today able to access the Welsh language S4C free of charge on Freeview. However, TG4 was not available in Northern Ireland on the Freeview service.
Mr McGlone, who is seeking a meeting with Freeview chiefs, commented: "This is extremely disappointing for all people within its broadcast catchment area here in the north (of Ireland).
"Given our unique position it would have made sense for TG4 to be included in the free to view package. Many people here have a deep interest in the Irish language and culture and opening it up to a wider audience on TG4 could only have been beneficial to those who want to learn more.
"It is particularly interesting to note that S4C is one of the 30 Freeview channels in Wales whereas there is no provision for an Irish or Scots Gaelic television or radio station.
"I have already had meetings with the minister Des Browne on this issue and I will be now pushing for a meeting with the representatives of Freeview to ask for the inclusion of TG4 as one of the free digital channels."
PA