Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales
Welsh Affairs Committee
HC 620
Published 27 October 2023
Recommendations
1
Acknowledged
Convene dedicated evidence session with Welsh broadcasting stakeholders during Media Bill Committee Stage.
Recommendation
Broadcasting holds an importance in Welsh national life that is unique among the nations of the United Kingdom. A distinctively Welsh broadcasting sector, underpinned by strong public service broadcasting, is a precious asset that must be allowed to flourish for …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of the Media Bill and commits to continuing engagement with devolved administrations and stakeholders throughout its passage, but notes the Commons Committee Stage has already completed, thereby not committing to the specific request for a dedicated Welsh evidence session at that stage.
Wales Office
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2
Accepted
Para 24
Public service broadcasters face discoverability challenges in crowded digital media marketplace.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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3
Accepted
Para 25
Introduce Media Bill to Parliament early next Session and prioritise its passage.
Recommendation
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 Existing regulations are outdated because they are limited to traditional linear electronic TV …
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Government Response Summary
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
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4
Deferred
Para 31
Develop digital platforms to enhance prominence of Welsh content and report progress by March 2024.
Recommendation
Public service broadcasters must modernise to survive in the digital age. We welcome the investment by PSBs in their digital platforms, which is needed given the growing proportion of people in Wales using them to watch PSB programmes. However, accessing …
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Government Response Summary
The government announces a review of the licence fee funding model to ensure fairness and sustainability for the BBC and S4C, including funding for Welsh language broadcasting, but does not address the recommendation for public service broadcasters to develop their digital platforms for Welsh content or report on progress.
Wales Office
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7
Not Addressed
Require Ofcom to examine streaming advertising revenue demands and publish findings by April 2024
Recommendation
We are concerned about streaming companies demanding such a high proportion of advertising revenue in return for hosting PSB programmes on their sites. We call on Ofcom to examine these practices and to publish its findings by April 2024 on …
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Government Response Summary
The government did not address the recommendation to examine advertising revenue practices of streaming companies and whether further regulation is needed for PSBs, instead discussing the Media Bill, sporting events and broadcasting rights.
Wales Office
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8
Accepted
Para 51
Require Government to assure licence fee review safeguards Welsh-language broadcasting provision
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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9
Rejected
Establish enhanced long-term partnership between S4C and BBC Cymru Wales with independence safeguards
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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 a more flexible framework for their relationship.
Wales Office
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10
Not Addressed
Para 71
Add the Six Nations rugby tournament to Group A of Listed Sporting Events
Recommendation
The broadcasting of sporting events is a matter of considerable public interest. It brings people together for a shared experience, providing a source of pride. The Broadcasting in Wales 43 danger of sports coverage going behind a paywall is that …
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Government Response Summary
The government discusses the existing listed events regime and the role of the Secretary of State in amending the list, but it does not address the committee's specific recommendation to add the Six Nations to Group A.
Wales Office
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11
Deferred
Para 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 …
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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.
Wales Office
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12
Rejected
Para 79
Amend Ofcom's remit to designate events requiring live Welsh language commentary
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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16
Acknowledged
Para 102
Require Ofcom to resume offering FM licences for local and community radio
Recommendation
Ofcom’s decision to prioritise DAB licenses overlooks the high levels of AM/ FM listening in Wales, and does not take into account the difficulties in digital transmission across parts of Wales. Community radio stations believe that FM licences will enable …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to exploring options with the Welsh Government and Ofcom to support more community radio services in Wales, including considering the role of FM, but clarifies that the decision to offer new FM licences is ultimately for Ofcom to determine.
Wales Office
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17
Deferred
Para 103
Amend Draft Media Bill to retain Ofcom's duty for diverse analogue radio services
Recommendation
The Government’s proposal to remove the duty on Ofcom to provide for a diversity of national and local analogue services on AM/FM also appears premature, especially given the difficulties in some areas of accessing DAB services. We recommend that the …
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Government Response Summary
The government agreed that community radio stations are valuable for public messaging and highlighted past successful targeted campaigns, but did not address the recommendation to amend the Draft Media Bill to retain Ofcom's duty regarding analogue radio services.
Wales Office
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18
Deferred
Para 110
Increase Community Radio Fund to match demand and link to future inflation
Recommendation
Community radio plays a vital role in serving local people, and we welcome the growth in this sector. However, we are concerned with the current levels of funding for the sector in Wales. Funding available through the UK Government’s Community …
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Government Response Summary
The government defers a decision on increasing the Community Radio Fund and linking it to inflation, stating that any increase will be considered in the context of wider economic conditions at the next Spending Review. It highlights current funding and past uplifts.
Wales Office
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19
Deferred
Para 111
Amend restrictions on Community Radio Fund spending for greater station flexibility
Recommendation
The current UK Community Radio Fund is too restrictive and does not allow small community radio stations to spend funding where they best feel it is needed. We recommend that the Government amends the restrictions on where funding from the …
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Government Response Summary
The government noted the recommendation, stating it is also for the Welsh Government, then proceeded to discuss the UK's film and high-end TV production spend, tax reliefs, studio infrastructure, and skills development, completely ignoring the recommendation about the Community Radio Fund's flexibility.
Wales Office
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20
Deferred
Para 112
Urge Welsh Government to reinstate financial support for community radio in Wales
Recommendation
The Welsh Government’s Community Radio Fund played an important role in supporting community radio in Wales. We urge the Welsh Government to reinstate support for community radio in Wales. This support was discontinued in 2014.
Government Response Summary
The government's response detailed measures to support Channel 4's sustainability and independent production sector, including increased independent production quotas and regional spending commitments, entirely unrelated to the recommendation for the Welsh Government to reinstate support for community radio.
Wales Office
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21
Deferred
Develop and publish strategy for placing government advertisements on community radio stations
Recommendation
Advertising on community radio would benefit their development and enable the Government to reach a wider audience with its advertisements, potentially increasing the pool of applicants for public sector jobs. We call on the Government to develop and publish by …
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Government Response Summary
The government responded by outlining apprenticeship reforms, the Apprenticeship Levy, improvements to the apprenticeship system in England, and new technical training routes like creative T Levels and Skills Bootcamps, not addressing the recommendation to publish a strategy for advertising on community radio.
Wales Office
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23
Accepted
Para 127
Require Governments to outline steps attracting streaming services and PSBs to Wales
Recommendation
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, …
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Government Response Summary
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 2024.
Wales Office
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24
Accepted
Para 132
Require Government to amend Media Bill and Channel 4 to support Welsh independent production
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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 budget outside London.
Wales Office
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26
Rejected
Para 138
Reform Apprenticeship Levy and increase shared apprenticeship rollout for Welsh creative industries.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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 creative industries.
Wales Office
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27
Rejected
Examine if current criterion adequately defines Welsh-based productions in the Draft Media Bill.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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Conclusions (7)
5
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 37
The success of Welsh broadcasting has rested on the close dialogue between broadcasters and Welsh policy makers. This relationship is now being challenged by 42 Broadcasting in Wales the shifts in global power in the broadcasting landscape with the growth of global companies such as Amazon Prime Video, based overseas. …
Government Response Summary
The government states that partnerships between the BBC and S4C are a matter for them, welcoming the BBC's commitment to modernise their relationship and detailing how the Media Bill will provide flexibility in content contribution, but does not address the committee's concern regarding global streaming services' engagement with Welsh policymakers.
6
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 38
Companies such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video provide competition to public service broadcasters. However, there are also opportunities for PSBs to work in partnership with them, and there are good examples where PSB providers have developed effective partnerships with streaming services to develop content. We look forward to this …
Government Response Summary
The government discusses the Media Bill's requirements for public service broadcasters to contribute to the public service remit and then extensively details the listed events regime for sport, affirming the Secretary of State's power over the list, but does not address the recommendation about opportunities for PSBs to partner with streaming services for content development.
13
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 80
Fans of Welsh football will be understandably concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the future broadcasting of the qualifying matches of Wales’ men’s football team given the planned withdrawal of Viaplay from UK broadcasting. This has the potential to also jeopardise the coverage of those matches on S4C. We ask that …
Government Response Summary
The government discussed its general support for the radio sector, including digital radio multiplexes and small-scale DAB, and changes in the Media Bill, completely missing the recommendation's focus on TV broadcasting of football matches and S4C Welsh language commentary.
14
Conclusion
Deferred
With the UK and the Republic of Ireland having recently been awarded the hosting of the European Championships in 2028, we would further request that this tournament is placed in Group A of the Listed Events Regime and that there is a requirement for PSB coverage to include a Welsh …
Government Response Summary
The government responded by detailing its support for the Community Radio Fund, including its annual distribution and recent uplifts, completely ignoring the recommendation about placing the 2028 European Championships on the Listed Events Regime for TV and requiring Welsh language commentary.
15
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 93
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 …
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.
22
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 123
PSBs are crucial to the continual success of the independent production sector in Wales. However, we are concerned that the lack of network-level commissioning power at BBC Cymru Wales is leading to commissions being given to companies outside Wales. In their response to our Report, BBC Cymru Wales must write …
Government Response Summary
The government stated that public service broadcasters' regional programme making quotas are a matter for Ofcom, confirming DCMS has discussed this with Ofcom, and concluded there is no need to legislate as Ofcom has sufficient powers. It did not compel BBC Cymru Wales to provide the requested explanation.
25
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 137
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 Summary
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 its Cymru Wales site.