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Select Committee · Welsh Affairs Committee

Broadcasting in Wales

Status: Closed Opened: 19 Jul 2022 Closed: 22 Jan 2024 20 recommendations 7 conclusions 2 reports

The Welsh Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into broadcasting in Wales. It will consider how to ensure a successful and dynamic broadcasting sector in Wales; the future of public service broadcasting and the place of free-to-air sports broadcasting in Wales; and the impact of the privatisation of Channel 4 on the Welsh broadcasting sector. …

Clear

Reports

2 reports
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales HC 620 27 Oct 2023 27 Responded
Darlledu yng Nghymru - Crynodeb HC 620 27 Oct 2023 0 Overdue

Recommendations & Conclusions

4 items
9 Recommendation Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales Rejected

Establish enhanced long-term partnership between S4C and BBC Cymru Wales with independence safeguards

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 …

Government response. 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 …
Wales Office
12 Recommendation Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales Rejected

Amend Ofcom's remit to designate events requiring live Welsh language commentary

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 …

Government response. 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.
Wales Office
26 Recommendation Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales Rejected

Reform Apprenticeship Levy and increase shared apprenticeship rollout for Welsh creative industries.

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 …

Government response. 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 …
Wales Office
27 Recommendation Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales Rejected

Examine if current criterion adequately defines Welsh-based productions in the Draft Media Bill.

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 …

Government response. 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.
Wales Office

Oral evidence sessions

9 sessions
Date Witnesses
28 Jun 2023 Efa Gruffudd Jones · Comisiynydd y Gymraeg / Welsh Language Commissioner, Lowri Williams · Welsh Language Commissioner, Robert Specterman-Green · Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP · Department for Culture, Media and Sport View ↗
7 Jun 2023 Dyfrig Davies · S4C, Ian Davis · Football Association of Wales, Nigel Walker · Welsh Rugby Union, Siân Price · Yeti Television, Sioned William · Cwmni Da View ↗
10 May 2023 Giles Derrington · TikTok, Megan Thomas · Meta, Tomos Grace · YouTube Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) View ↗
19 Apr 2023 Eleanor Marks · Ofcom, Kate Biggs · Ofcom View ↗
1 Mar 2023 Martin Mumford · Nation Broadcasting, Terry Mann · GTFM Radio, Toby Ellis · Pure West Radio View ↗
18 Jan 2023 Adam Minns · COBA, Benjamin King · Netflix View ↗
7 Dec 2022 Phil Henfrey · ITV Cymru Wales, Rhuanedd Richards · BBC Cymru Wales, Siân Doyle · S4C View ↗
7 Dec 2022 Phil Henfrey · ITV Cymru Wales, Rhuanedd Richards · BBC Cymru Wales, Sian Doyle · S4C View ↗
9 Nov 2022 Guto Harri View ↗

Correspondence

7 letters
DateDirectionTitle
13 Mar 2024 To cttee Letter from BBC Cymru Wales following on from the Committee’s Report into Broad…
24 Jan 2024 — Correspondence from BBC Wales to the Chair relating to the Committee's report o…
24 Jan 2024 — Correspondence from Ofcom to the Chair relating to the Committee's report on Br…
22 Jan 2024 — Correspondence from the Welsh Government to the Chair in response to the Commit…
16 Nov 2023 — Correspondence from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to the …
9 Oct 2023 — Correspondence from the Chair to the Director for Wales, Ofcom, relating to ava…
28 Jun 2023 — Correspondence from Chair to Director for Wales, Ofcom, relating to Brass-Plati…