‘We want to see S4C thrive, flourish and embrace the digital age’
A wide-ranging review of S4C is about to take place, considering various factors such as the channel’s impact and contribution to the Welsh economy. Euryn Ogwen Williams will lead the panel, as announced at the National Eisteddfod yesterday
THE most wide-ranging review of S4C since the Welsh language broadcaster was launched 35 years ago will take place over the next three months.
A panel led by Euryn Ogwen Williams, the channel’s first director of programmes, will examine whether S4C’s remit should be changed in the light of changing viewing habits and technological developments, whether its continued partnership with the BBC and funding via the licence fee is appropriate, and whether its governance arrangements need to be overhauled.
Announcing Mr Williams’ appointment, a statement from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said: “S4C was created by the Conservative Government in 1982, and this UK Government remains committed to supporting the valuable service S4C provides to Welsh speaking audiences.
“We want to see the channel thrive and flourish in the 21st century and embrace the opportunities of a digital age.”
The review will consider a number of factors:
S4C’s role in promoting, and its impact on the Welsh language and its wider place in Welsh culture and society;
S4C’s contribution to the Welsh economy;
S4C’s relationship with the independent production sector and other broadcasters and cultural institutions, including whether its partnerships are working effectively and to maximum effect;
Audience opinions, satisfaction and viewing figures of both Welsh speaking viewers, learners and the non-Welsh speaking population, both in Wales and across the UK;
S4C’s editorial independence, and appropriate transparency and accountability arrangements;
The way in which S4C is governed and held accountable, including how the S4C Authority is operating and whether alternative models of governance should be considered;
The way in which S4C is regulated and the role of Ofcom;
Value for money, efficiency and the role of the National Audit Office;
The way S4C is currently funded, including the licence fee, grant-in-aid and commercial sources, and its financial relationship with the BBC from 2022/23;
The extent of S4C’s commercial freedoms.
A report is due to be submitted to Karen Bradley, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, within three months. It will be published subsequently.
Wales Office Minister Guto Bebb announced Mr Williams’ appointment during a visit to the National Eisteddfod on Anglesey where it was also confirmed that the BBC will provide a one-off payment of support for S4C of £350,000 in 2017/18 to provide further stability during the review period.
Mr Williams said: “It’s a great honour to be asked to lead the review of S4C at a critical time for the organisation as it meets the challenges of the rapidly changing media landscape. The next decade will be even more challenging as S4C, like all public service broadcasters, nurtures the relationship with its audiences in the digital world. It must also play a vital role in the development of the Welsh language at a critical time in its history.”
Ms Bradley said: “Euryn has great experience in Welsh broadcasting and was the first director of programmes when S4C was set up in 1982. His excellent understanding of Welsh broadcasting and the Welsh language, culture and society will only benefit the progress of this important review.”
Huw Jones, chairman of the S4C Authority, said: “We welcome the Government’s announcement regarding the review of S4C, and that Euryn Ogwen Williams, an experienced broadcaster and perceptive analyst of the future of the media, has been appointed to lead the review.
“The review will be a key opportunity to note the importance the S4C service’s unique contribution to the culture and economy of Wales and the United Kingdom, and to the future of the Welsh language.”
Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru (TAC), the trade association for independent TV production companies in Wales, welcomed the commencement of the review.
TAC chairman Iestyn Garlick said: “This review comes at a critical time for S4C, as a continued fall in real terms funding means the rate of repeats on the main channel has now risen to 63%.
“S4C’s unique relationship with the independent production sector in Wales enables it to deliver a range of high quality programmes. But an increase in fresh programming is critical to attracting audiences, and TAC is therefore calling for a one-time 10% rise in the total level of its public funding, which must also be linked to inflation.
“S4C’s independence should be maintained and strengthened, with no formal commitment to report to the BBC, and its remit should ensure that the vast majority of its programmes come from the diverse group of production companies spread throughout Wales.
“We welcome Euryn Ogwen Williams being asked to lead the review. His knowledge of the independent production sector should stand him in good stead in making sure that S4C’s partnership with our sector goes from strength to strength.”