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
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.
Paragraph Reference:
93
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The intention of the Community Radio Fund is to help stations within the sector move towards self-sustainability. As such, the guidance from its assessing panel remains that proposals to promote long-term financial security and posts which could become self- sustaining will be favoured over those which are less likely to have such an effect. Given the high levels of demand for support from the Fund, the Government is of the view that retaining a focus on long-term sustainability remains appropriate.