Recommendations & Conclusions
27 items
1
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Acknowledged
Broadcasting holds an importance in Welsh national life that is unique among the nations of the United Kingdom. A distinctively Welsh broadcasting sector, underpinned by strong public service broadcasting, is a precious asset that must be allowed to flourish for the benefit of future generations. We welcome the Government’s Draft …
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Broadcasting holds an importance in Welsh national life that is unique among the nations of the United Kingdom. A distinctively Welsh broadcasting sector, underpinned by strong public service broadcasting, is a precious asset that must be allowed to flourish for the benefit of future generations. We welcome the Government’s Draft Media Bill with its explicit aim of supporting the sustainability of public service broadcasters, and we urge Ministers to listen to the specific concerns of the Welsh broadcasting sector as they take the Bill through the House. We would request that in its scrutiny at Committee Stage, the Bill Committee convene at least one evidence session exclusively with stakeholders from the broadcasting industry in Wales. (Paragraph 13) Public service broadcasters
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of the Media Bill and commits to continuing engagement with devolved administrations and stakeholders throughout its passage, but notes the Commons Committee Stage has already completed, thereby not committing to the specific request for a dedicated Welsh evidence session at …
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Wales Office
2
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Accepted
Public service broadcasters are facing the challenges of increased competition and changing viewing habits, where viewers may choose content from a range of online providers and platforms. It is imperative that their content is easily discoverable in an increasingly busy digital marketplace.
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Public service broadcasters are facing the challenges of increased competition and changing viewing habits, where viewers may choose content from a range of online providers and platforms. It is imperative that their content is easily discoverable in an increasingly busy digital marketplace.
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Government response AI summary
The government intends to introduce a new online prominence framework via the Media Bill to ensure public service broadcasting content, including S4C in Wales, is easily discoverable and given protected prominence on major online TV platforms.
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Wales Office
3
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Accepted
The UK’s public service broadcasters are fighting for prominence on the first page on any significant device, be it a set-top box, smart TV or games console. Existing regulations are outdated because they are limited to traditional linear electronic TV guides and do not apply to streaming, on-demand and internet-connected …
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The UK’s public service broadcasters are fighting for prominence on the first page on any significant device, be it a set-top box, smart TV or games console. Existing regulations are outdated because they are limited to traditional linear electronic TV guides and do not apply to streaming, on-demand and internet-connected TVs. The lack of prominence of PSB content across all devices, particularly digital and streaming platforms, will result in consumers struggling to find much loved content in a format and language that they enjoy. The proposals contained in the Draft Media Bill on prominence are vital to the continued success of public service broadcasters in the twenty-first century. The Government must introduce the Media Bill to Parliament as early as possible in the next Session, which is due to begin in November 2023, and prioritise its passage through both Houses.
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms its intention to legislate through the Media Bill, introducing a new online prominence framework to ensure public service broadcasting content is available and given protected prominence on major online TV platforms.
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Wales Office
4
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
Public service broadcasters must modernise to survive in the digital age. We welcome the investment by PSBs in their digital platforms, which is needed given the growing proportion of people in Wales using them to watch PSB programmes. However, accessing Welsh content is not straightforward on these platforms, making it …
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Public service broadcasters must modernise to survive in the digital age. We welcome the investment by PSBs in their digital platforms, which is needed given the growing proportion of people in Wales using them to watch PSB programmes. However, accessing Welsh content is not straightforward on these platforms, making it difficult for it to be viewed in Wales and across the UK. We call on public sector broadcasters to urgently develop their digital platforms to improve their level of online personalisation and ensure that programmes local to Wales and Welsh language content are prominent and easy to access. We call on public secrvice broadcasters to urgently develop their digital platforms to improve their level of online personalisation and ensure that programmes local to Wales and Welsh language content are prominent and easy to access. We request that public service broadcasters report to us by March 2024 on their progress in this area.
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Government response AI summary
The government announces a review of the licence fee funding model to ensure fairness and sustainability for the BBC and S4C, including funding for Welsh language broadcasting, but does not address the recommendation for public service broadcasters to develop their digital platforms for Welsh content …
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Wales Office
5
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
The success of Welsh broadcasting has rested on the close dialogue between broadcasters and Welsh policy makers. This relationship is now being challenged by 42 Broadcasting in Wales the shifts in global power in the broadcasting landscape with the growth of global companies such as Amazon Prime Video, based overseas. …
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The success of Welsh broadcasting has rested on the close dialogue between broadcasters and Welsh policy makers. This relationship is now being challenged by 42 Broadcasting in Wales the shifts in global power in the broadcasting landscape with the growth of global companies such as Amazon Prime Video, based overseas. Amazon Prime Video resisted sending a representative to answer our questions, and streaming services have not met the Welsh Language Commissioner. These are worrying indications that future policy makers in Wales will find it harder to retain a valuable relationship with all broadcasters. The oral evidence we took from Netflix and COBA demonstrate that this relationship remains possible.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that partnerships between the BBC and S4C are a matter for them, welcoming the BBC's commitment to modernise their relationship and detailing how the Media Bill will provide flexibility in content contribution, but does not address the committee's concern regarding global streaming …
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Wales Office
6
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
Companies such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video provide competition to public service broadcasters. However, there are also opportunities for PSBs to work in partnership with them, and there are good examples where PSB providers have developed effective partnerships with streaming services to develop content. We look forward to this …
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Companies such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video provide competition to public service broadcasters. However, there are also opportunities for PSBs to work in partnership with them, and there are good examples where PSB providers have developed effective partnerships with streaming services to develop content. We look forward to this continuing in the future.
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Government response AI summary
The government discusses the Media Bill's requirements for public service broadcasters to contribute to the public service remit and then extensively details the listed events regime for sport, affirming the Secretary of State's power over the list, but does not address the recommendation about opportunities …
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Wales Office
7
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Not Addressed
We are concerned about streaming companies demanding such a high proportion of advertising revenue in return for hosting PSB programmes on their sites. We call on Ofcom to examine these practices and to publish its findings by April 2024 on whether further regulation is needed to ensure fair and reasonable …
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We are concerned about streaming companies demanding such a high proportion of advertising revenue in return for hosting PSB programmes on their sites. We call on Ofcom to examine these practices and to publish its findings by April 2024 on whether further regulation is needed to ensure fair and reasonable terms for PSBs. (Paragraph 39) The future of Welsh Language broadcasting
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Government response AI summary
The government did not address the recommendation to examine advertising revenue practices of streaming companies and whether further regulation is needed for PSBs, instead discussing the Media Bill, sporting events and broadcasting rights.
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Wales Office
8
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Accepted
It is vital that Welsh language provision continues to grow amid the changing media landscape, and is a visible part of the television system in the UK. While we welcome the current funding settlement in place for S4C, it is vital that the channel has greater certainty over its long-term …
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It is vital that Welsh language provision continues to grow amid the changing media landscape, and is a visible part of the television system in the UK. While we welcome the current funding settlement in place for S4C, it is vital that the channel has greater certainty over its long-term funding. We note that the Government has announced a review of the licence fee model. This will have implications for the delivery of Welsh language broadcasting by the BBC, and future funding of S4C. In its response to this Report, the Government must give assurances that the review includes a reference to safeguarding Welsh-language broadcasting.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted the recommendation, assuring that the review of the licence fee funding model will consider funding arrangements for Welsh language broadcasting and fully account for the government's commitment to its success.
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Wales Office
9
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Rejected
We welcome the investments that the Government is making in digital provision for S4C, but the scale of investment needed to ensure the sustainability of Welsh language broadcasting in the long-term is daunting. We are concerned that the wider revolution in broadcasting will leave S4C exposed. It is also clear …
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We welcome the investments that the Government is making in digital provision for S4C, but the scale of investment needed to ensure the sustainability of Welsh language broadcasting in the long-term is daunting. We are concerned that the wider revolution in broadcasting will leave S4C exposed. It is also clear that S4C has a strong relationship with BBC Cymru Wales, and these links have been further enhanced by S4C’s reliance on licence fee funding and on BBC iPlayer as the foremost platform for digital content. To ensure the continuing strength of Welsh language broadcasting we recommend an enhanced long-term partnership between S4C and BBC Cymru Wales. This should include safeguards for the branding, editorial and commercial independence of S4C. This partnership should work towards a long-term framework agreement that supports S4C, providing it with the investment to produce digital content to compete with streaming services. The partnership should be overseen by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. (Paragraph 56) Broadcasting live sports in Wales
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects overseeing an enhanced long-term partnership between S4C and BBC Cymru Wales, stating it is a matter for the independent organisations. However, it agrees the partnership should be maintained and is legislating through the Media Bill to provide a more flexible framework for …
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Wales Office
10
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Not Addressed
The broadcasting of sporting events is a matter of considerable public interest. It brings people together for a shared experience, providing a source of pride. The Broadcasting in Wales 43 danger of sports coverage going behind a paywall is that any additional short- term injection of money does not reach …
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The broadcasting of sporting events is a matter of considerable public interest. It brings people together for a shared experience, providing a source of pride. The Broadcasting in Wales 43 danger of sports coverage going behind a paywall is that any additional short- term injection of money does not reach the grassroots and is offset in the longer term by reduced awareness of and participation in the sport. Therefore, live sports broadcasting should strive to reach the widest possible audience, which is best achieved through free-to-air coverage. This is especially so for Welsh rugby union, which needs to rediscover its soul and aim to reach the maximum number of people in Wales. We believe that maintaining a listed events system is in the public interest as it ensures that free-to-air broadcasters are able to ensure that all licence fee payers have access to nationally important sporting events. However, we do not believe that the listed events regime currently accurately reflects the importance placed by supporters on certain competitions. We recommend that the Government adds the Six Nations to Group A of the Listed Sporting Events, to ensure its status on terrestrial TV.
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Government response AI summary
The government discusses the existing listed events regime and the role of the Secretary of State in amending the list, but it does not address the committee's specific recommendation to add the Six Nations to Group A.
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Wales Office
11
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
We are disappointed that the current listed events system does not include any Welsh events in Category A, prioritising and protecting sporting events that are of significant national and cultural significance. We recommend that the UK Government works with the Welsh Government and broadcasters to discuss how the listed events …
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We are disappointed that the current listed events system does not include any Welsh events in Category A, prioritising and protecting sporting events that are of significant national and cultural significance. We recommend that the UK Government works with the Welsh Government and broadcasters to discuss how the listed events regime could be amended to support a specific list of Welsh events.
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Government response AI summary
The government responds by discussing proposed changes to commercial radio licensing and support for local and Welsh language programming on radio, and commits to working with the Welsh Government and Ofcom to explore supporting more community radio services, but does not address the recommendation to …
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Wales Office
12
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Rejected
The use of Welsh in sport is a vital expression of identity for many. Whilst we understand concerns that a Welsh language requirement could reduce the value of broadcasting contracts, we believe that the provision of Welsh commentary is extremely important to the vitality of the Welsh language. We note …
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The use of Welsh in sport is a vital expression of identity for many. Whilst we understand concerns that a Welsh language requirement could reduce the value of broadcasting contracts, we believe that the provision of Welsh commentary is extremely important to the vitality of the Welsh language. We note that Viaplay successfully negotiated for S4C to provide Welsh language broadcasting. Amazon Prime Video was able to provide a Welsh language commentary of the rugby union autumn internationals. Therefore, streaming services are willing to ensure Welsh language provision. The current Ofcom code does not empower it to protect this Welsh language provision and ensure it continues. We recommend that Ofcom’s remit be amended to ensure that it can designate events in Group A and Group B of the Listed Events Regime and specified non-listed events as requiring live Welsh language commentary.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects amending Ofcom's remit to designate events for Welsh language commentary, stating it would not be appropriate for Ofcom to hold such powers and that these decisions should remain with the democratically accountable Secretary of State.
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Wales Office
13
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
Fans of Welsh football will be understandably concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the future broadcasting of the qualifying matches of Wales’ men’s football team given the planned withdrawal of Viaplay from UK broadcasting. This has the potential to also jeopardise the coverage of those matches on S4C. We ask that …
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Fans of Welsh football will be understandably concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the future broadcasting of the qualifying matches of Wales’ men’s football team given the planned withdrawal of Viaplay from UK broadcasting. This has the potential to also jeopardise the coverage of those matches on S4C. We ask that FA Wales write to us by February 2024, updating us on the latest situation and outlining the representations it is making to UEFA to ensure that any new contract- holder works with S4C to replicate its previous agreement with Viaplay and thereby ensure Welsh language commentary.
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Government response AI summary
The government discussed its general support for the radio sector, including digital radio multiplexes and small-scale DAB, and changes in the Media Bill, completely missing the recommendation's focus on TV broadcasting of football matches and S4C Welsh language commentary.
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Wales Office
14
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
With the UK and the Republic of Ireland having recently been awarded the hosting of the European Championships in 2028, we would further request that this tournament is placed in Group A of the Listed Events Regime and that there is a requirement for PSB coverage to include a Welsh …
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With the UK and the Republic of Ireland having recently been awarded the hosting of the European Championships in 2028, we would further request that this tournament is placed in Group A of the Listed Events Regime and that there is a requirement for PSB coverage to include a Welsh language commentary option for every match involving the Wales team. (Paragraph 81) 44 Broadcasting in Wales Radio
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Government response AI summary
The government responded by detailing its support for the Community Radio Fund, including its annual distribution and recent uplifts, completely ignoring the recommendation about placing the 2028 European Championships on the Listed Events Regime for TV and requiring Welsh language commentary.
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Wales Office
15
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
We are extremely concerned at the apparent decline in the use of Welsh language on commercial radio. The ability to listen to the Welsh language on a daily basis is vital to maintaining the Welsh language and to encouraging new learners. The current regulatory framework is not strong enough to …
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We are extremely concerned at the apparent decline in the use of Welsh language on commercial radio. The ability to listen to the Welsh language on a daily basis is vital to maintaining the Welsh language and to encouraging new learners. The current regulatory framework is not strong enough to support the Welsh Language on commercial radio. We ask the Government to consider the adequacy of Ofcom’s remit in relation to Welsh language content on commercial radio stations in Wales.
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Government response AI summary
The government explained that the Community Radio Fund's purpose is to promote self-sustainability for stations, and its guidance prioritises long-term financial security, thus retaining this focus is appropriate, but did not address the adequacy of Ofcom's remit for Welsh language content on commercial radio.
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Wales Office
16
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Acknowledged
Ofcom’s decision to prioritise DAB licenses overlooks the high levels of AM/ FM listening in Wales, and does not take into account the difficulties in digital transmission across parts of Wales. Community radio stations believe that FM licences will enable them to reach a wider audience. There is a clear …
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Ofcom’s decision to prioritise DAB licenses overlooks the high levels of AM/ FM listening in Wales, and does not take into account the difficulties in digital transmission across parts of Wales. Community radio stations believe that FM licences will enable them to reach a wider audience. There is a clear demand, and continuing need, for FM radio licences. We recommend that Ofcom resume offering FM licences, particularly targeting local and community radio stations.
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Government response AI summary
The government commits to exploring options with the Welsh Government and Ofcom to support more community radio services in Wales, including considering the role of FM, but clarifies that the decision to offer new FM licences is ultimately for Ofcom to determine.
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Wales Office
17
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
The Government’s proposal to remove the duty on Ofcom to provide for a diversity of national and local analogue services on AM/FM also appears premature, especially given the difficulties in some areas of accessing DAB services. We recommend that the Government amend the Draft Media Bill to ensure that this …
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The Government’s proposal to remove the duty on Ofcom to provide for a diversity of national and local analogue services on AM/FM also appears premature, especially given the difficulties in some areas of accessing DAB services. We recommend that the Government amend the Draft Media Bill to ensure that this duty is retained.
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Government response AI summary
The government agreed that community radio stations are valuable for public messaging and highlighted past successful targeted campaigns, but did not address the recommendation to amend the Draft Media Bill to retain Ofcom's duty regarding analogue radio services.
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Wales Office
18
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
Community radio plays a vital role in serving local people, and we welcome the growth in this sector. However, we are concerned with the current levels of funding for the sector in Wales. Funding available through the UK Government’s Community Radio Fund has not kept pace with inflation. We recommend …
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Community radio plays a vital role in serving local people, and we welcome the growth in this sector. However, we are concerned with the current levels of funding for the sector in Wales. Funding available through the UK Government’s Community Radio Fund has not kept pace with inflation. We recommend that the Government increases the Community Radio Fund to match the current demand, as well as linking it to inflation for future years.
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Government response AI summary
The government defers a decision on increasing the Community Radio Fund and linking it to inflation, stating that any increase will be considered in the context of wider economic conditions at the next Spending Review. It highlights current funding and past uplifts.
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Wales Office
19
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
The current UK Community Radio Fund is too restrictive and does not allow small community radio stations to spend funding where they best feel it is needed. We recommend that the Government amends the restrictions on where funding from the Community Radio Fund can be spent, allowing community radio stations …
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The current UK Community Radio Fund is too restrictive and does not allow small community radio stations to spend funding where they best feel it is needed. We recommend that the Government amends the restrictions on where funding from the Community Radio Fund can be spent, allowing community radio stations greater flexibility to spend the funds where it will be of greatest use.
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Government response AI summary
The government noted the recommendation, stating it is also for the Welsh Government, then proceeded to discuss the UK's film and high-end TV production spend, tax reliefs, studio infrastructure, and skills development, completely ignoring the recommendation about the Community Radio Fund's flexibility.
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Wales Office
20
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
The Welsh Government’s Community Radio Fund played an important role in supporting community radio in Wales. We urge the Welsh Government to reinstate support for community radio in Wales. This support was discontinued in 2014.
Government response AI summary
The government's response detailed measures to support Channel 4's sustainability and independent production sector, including increased independent production quotas and regional spending commitments, entirely unrelated to the recommendation for the Welsh Government to reinstate support for community radio.
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Wales Office
21
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
Advertising on community radio would benefit their development and enable the Government to reach a wider audience with its advertisements, potentially increasing the pool of applicants for public sector jobs. We call on the Government to develop and publish by April 2024 a strategy setting out how it will seek …
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Advertising on community radio would benefit their development and enable the Government to reach a wider audience with its advertisements, potentially increasing the pool of applicants for public sector jobs. We call on the Government to develop and publish by April 2024 a strategy setting out how it will seek to place advertisements on community radio stations. (Paragraph 116) Broadcasting in Wales 45 Developing the skills pipeline into Welsh broadcasting
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Government response AI summary
The government responded by outlining apprenticeship reforms, the Apprenticeship Levy, improvements to the apprenticeship system in England, and new technical training routes like creative T Levels and Skills Bootcamps, not addressing the recommendation to publish a strategy for advertising on community radio.
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Wales Office
22
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Deferred
PSBs are crucial to the continual success of the independent production sector in Wales. However, we are concerned that the lack of network-level commissioning power at BBC Cymru Wales is leading to commissions being given to companies outside Wales. In their response to our Report, BBC Cymru Wales must write …
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PSBs are crucial to the continual success of the independent production sector in Wales. However, we are concerned that the lack of network-level commissioning power at BBC Cymru Wales is leading to commissions being given to companies outside Wales. In their response to our Report, BBC Cymru Wales must write to us to explain why their approach to commissioning in Wales appears to differ from that adopted by the BBC in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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Government response AI summary
The government stated that public service broadcasters' regional programme making quotas are a matter for Ofcom, confirming DCMS has discussed this with Ofcom, and concluded there is no need to legislate as Ofcom has sufficient powers. It did not compel BBC Cymru Wales to provide …
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Wales Office
23
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Accepted
Streaming companies provide an exciting opportunity for work for the independent production sector in Wales. They can provide an additional source of revenue to commissions from PSBs and help spread the word about the excellence of Welsh production companies. However, it can be difficult for a small nation such as …
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Streaming companies provide an exciting opportunity for work for the independent production sector in Wales. They can provide an additional source of revenue to commissions from PSBs and help spread the word about the excellence of Welsh production companies. However, it can be difficult for a small nation such as Wales to attract investment and to highlight skills within its production sector. The Welsh and UK Governments must outline to us the steps they are taking to attract both PSBs and streaming services to produce more programmes in Wales. The UK Government should explain how it is harnessing the increased interest in Wales, especially in the USA, to attract streaming services to produce programmes in Wales.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted the recommendation, outlining steps such as existing and reformed screen sector tax reliefs, high UK production spend including in Wales, robust studio infrastructure, and BFI funding for skills development, with a Wales Skills Cluster expected in Q1 2024.
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Wales Office
24
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Accepted
We are concerned that the introduction of in-house commissioning at Channel 4 could harm independent production companies in Wales. In its response to this Report, the Government must outline the steps it will take to ensure that the introduction of in-house commissioning by Channel 4 will help rather than harm …
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We are concerned that the introduction of in-house commissioning at Channel 4 could harm independent production companies in Wales. In its response to this Report, the Government must outline the steps it will take to ensure that the introduction of in-house commissioning by Channel 4 will help rather than harm the independent production sector in Wales. We call on the Government to make changes to the Draft Media Bill to reflect our concerns. We also call on Channel 4, in response to this Report, to outline their commitment to commissioning work from Welsh production companies.
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Government response AI summary
The government has implemented mitigations in the Media Bill, including increasing Channel 4’s independent production quota from 25% to 35% and ensuring Ofcom oversight for fair access to commissions, alongside Channel 4's commitment to spend at least 50% of its budget outside London.
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Wales Office
25
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Accepted
The creative industry provides an opportunity for employment and economic growth in Wales. Wales already has a strong reputation in this area and produces programmes which are seen by a global audience. However, the industry is currently threatened by the skills shortage in this area. We welcome the plans published …
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The creative industry provides an opportunity for employment and economic growth in Wales. Wales already has a strong reputation in this area and produces programmes which are seen by a global audience. However, the industry is currently threatened by the skills shortage in this area. We welcome the plans published by Creative Wales and by the UK Government to address skills shortages in this area, and this needs to be seen as an area of priority. However, more still needs to be done to address skills shortages.
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government is addressing creative industry skills shortages by supporting the BFI's £9.6m National Lottery funding for skills clusters, with a Wales cluster expected in Q1 2024, and through DCMS funding for the National Film and Television School, including its Cymru Wales site.
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Wales Office
26
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Rejected
Apprenticeships can be an effective and powerful way of developing a diverse and skilled workforce. However, the current system of apprenticeships within the broadcasting sector is inflexible, and does not reflect the needs of a freelance, project-based sector. There must be a fundamental reform of the Apprenticeship Levy in the …
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Apprenticeships can be an effective and powerful way of developing a diverse and skilled workforce. However, the current system of apprenticeships within the broadcasting sector is inflexible, and does not reflect the needs of a freelance, project-based sector. There must be a fundamental reform of the Apprenticeship Levy in the UK. There must be a fundamental reform of the Apprenticeship Levy in the UK. We call on the UK and Welsh Governments to review the Apprenticeship Levy and to increase the roll out of the shared apprenticeship system in Wales to ensure that they can benefit the creative industries sector in Wales.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects a formal review of the Apprenticeship Levy at this time, stating that apprenticeship policy and spending are devolved. It highlights ongoing improvements to the system in England and other initiatives like T Levels and Skills Bootcamps for creative industries.
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Wales Office
27
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Rejected
Brass-plating allows broadcasters to meet their regional production criteria while using production companies that may not be based in Wales. Ofcom acknowledges that relying on the “substantive base” criterion alone provides an opportunity for the system to be manipulated. We recommend that Ofcom examine whether this 46 Broadcasting in Wales …
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Brass-plating allows broadcasters to meet their regional production criteria while using production companies that may not be based in Wales. Ofcom acknowledges that relying on the “substantive base” criterion alone provides an opportunity for the system to be manipulated. We recommend that Ofcom examine whether this 46 Broadcasting in Wales criterion alone should be sufficient to qualify a production as being based in Wales. We call on the Government to amend the Draft Media Bill to address this problem. (Paragraph 142) Broadcasting in Wales 47
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects amending the Draft Media Bill, stating that public service broadcasters' quotas for regional programming are a matter for Ofcom, who they believe has sufficient powers to address any loopholes.
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Wales Office