Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Deferred
Paragraph: 72
Require UK Government to collaborate on amending listed events regime for specific Welsh events
Recommendation
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.
Government Response 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 amend the listed events regime for sport to include specific Welsh events.
Paragraph Reference:
72
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government believes that the proposed changes to commercial radio licensing requirements set out in Part 5 of the Media Bill, including the specific changes to Ofcom’s remit with regard to localness, will help to reduce the burdens on commercial radio whilst ensuring that local news continues to be protected. By giving commercial stations more freedom and flexibility to adapt their services, these changes will help support the long-term viability of commercial radio across Wales. The Government agrees there is a need to look at whether there is sufficient plurality of Welsh language programming, noting the BBC’s proposals to expand its programming on BBC Radio Cymru 2. However, introducing or increasing requirements on existing commercial stations to increase the availability of Welsh language programming could affect the viability of commercial stations in Wales and reduce the choice of services available to Welsh listeners on FM or DAB. We agree with a number of the Committee’s witnesses who suggested that community radio could play a greater role in providing choice for listeners in Wales, and we are committed to working with the Welsh Government and with Ofcom to explore options as to how to support more community services in Wales including services that cater for Welsh language speakers. This will include looking at the possible role that FM may play, though decisions on whether to offer new FM licences to community radio stations in Wales is a matter for Ofcom to ultimately determine.