Recommendations & Conclusions
6 items
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.
Government response. 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.
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 Existing regulations are outdated because they are limited to traditional linear electronic TV guides and do not apply to streaming, on-demand and internet-connected …
Government response. 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.
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 …
Government response. 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.
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 …
Government response. 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 …
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 …
Government response. 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 …
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 …
Government response. 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 …
Wales Office