S4C boosts reach with new deal
S4C has boosted its global reach with a new agreement allowing it to show far more content outside the UK.
In a new terms of trade agreement with the body representing the independent television production sector, TAC, the public service broadcaster will now also provide archive programmes through its on-demand service S4C Clic.
All of S4C’S new programmes, along with content from the archive such as box sets, will be available for a standard period of 150 days via Clic instead of the current 35 days where rights allow.
The deal also means live events including shows, gigs and festivals can be streamed globally. It doesn’t, though, extend to the showing of live PRO14 and Wales international rugby games or Welsh international football matches outside the UK.
Owen Evans, chief executive of Carmarthenheadquartered S4C, said: “I would like to thank TAC very much for its work coordinating the new terms of trade, which will ensure a better service for our viewers and enable our programmes to reach all parts of the world.
“Our on-demand service, S4C Clic, has developed significantly in recent years, with more than 100,000 having registered, and it is essential that our content is available to audiences to enjoy at any time. This agreement is a major step forward in enabling us to deliver our digital strategy for the future.”
TAC chairman Gareth Williams, who is also chief executive of Rondo Media, said: “I’m extremely pleased that we have agreed the third edition of the terms of trade. I am confident this will benefit the production sector and facilitate the relationship with S4C in terms of the efficient operation of the commissioning process in the future.”
The channel is also recruiting for three new non-executives to join its board. Its board consists of chairman Rhodri Williams and up to eight other members, all appointed by the Secretary of State for Digital Technology, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden.
Board members are expected to give a time commitment of a nominal one day a week and receive an annual renumeration of £9,650. Applications have to be submitted by October 23.