S4C announces launch of new TV channel

CANOLFAN S4C Yr Egin in Carmarthen has announced its involvement in the launching of the new local television channel ‘Shwmae Sir Gâr.’

The channel is one of S4C’S new networks forming part of the S4C Lleol (S4C Local) project.

This recently launched platform will allow the county’s residents to have their say, share their stories as well as reflect the history and culture of their communities.

Shwmae Sir Gâr is being piloted by S4C for the next six months. During this time, content will be produced weekly by the team and will be seen on various social media platforms.

The project is under the auspices of Canolfan S4C Yr Egin and Cwmni Cynhyrchu Carlam Cyf.

Carys Ifan, director of Yr Egin, said: “One of the aims of establishing Canolfan S4C Yr Egin was to raise the status of the Welsh language and culture and create linguistic, cultural, economic and social benefits in Carmarthen and the south west.

“I am very excited about working with Euros Llyr, of Carlam, on the opportunities that will ensue for UWTSD and Coleg Sir Gâr students as the project develops new voices and, above all, to get to know parts of Carmarthenshire that were previously unfamiliar to me and to provide a platform for the various communities.”

The award-winning poet Aneirin Karadog, from Pontyberem, who has recently been appointed by the university as project co-ordinator and Welsh language tutor to the university’s Centre for Welsh Language Services, was commissioned to compose a special poem for the first content which will appear under the title Shwmae Sir Gâr. The poem describes the splendour of the county, from its people to its landscape, and reflects on its diversity.

One of the aims of the project also is to create opportunities to develop new talent, whether in front of or behind the camera.

One of those is Euros Llyr Morgan, director of the production company Carlam. Three years ago he graduated from the university with a Welsh-medium BA degree in performance.

Euros is one of Yr Egin’s new tenants, and he is looking forward to working on this project.

He said: “This is a new chapter for Carlam, and we are delighted and very grateful to work with S4C and Canolfan S4C Yr Egin on this extremely exciting project.

“This is an absolutely wonderful opportunity to foster and expand the pool of creative individuals in West Wales.”