A new Scottish digital television channel similar to the new publicly funded Gaelic station is expected to be announced by the Broadcasting Commission when it reports today.

The idea is seen as resolving many of the issues around the BBC's existing Scottish coverage and its place within the network, including the vexed issue of the so-called "Scottish Six" - a main evening news programme taking in Scottish, British and international news from a distinctive perspective.

The Scottish Broadcasting Commission was established by First Minister Alex Salmond a year ago to examine the strategic future of the television industry "taking account of the economic, cultural and democratic importance of broadcasting to a modern, outward-looking Scotland and its creative industries".

Chaired by Blair Jenkins, a former senior executive at both the BBC and STV, it brought together political and broadcasting experience to make recommendations for what actions the Scottish Government could take.

But it was also to focus on "issues where other organisations have responsibility and encourage action to address these issues". If any of the commission's suggestions in these areas include Westminster relinquishing any of their reserved grip on broadcasting then that will spark a political storm.

The Scottish Conservatives have championed the concept of a new digital channel, as this could answer many of the demands of those who back a Scottish Six without altering the existing BBC early evening news.

Tory MSP Ted Brocklebank said he was delighted the commission may announce its backing for the idea.

Such a new digital channel could be funded on a not-for-profit basis as part of public service broadcasting and be operational by the completion of the switchover to digital- only television in 2012.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Broadcasting Commission said the report would be handed over to the Scottish Government this morning and would then be published, so there would be no comment before then.