Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Deferred
Paragraph: 93
Require Government to review Ofcom's remit regarding Welsh language commercial radio content
Conclusion
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.
Government response summary AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
93
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
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.
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