Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales

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 … Read more 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 digital marketplace. Show less

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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 Existing regulations are outdated because they are limited to traditional linear electronic TV … Read more The UK’s public service broadcasters are fighting for prominence on the first page on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 Existing regulations are outdated because they are limited to traditional linear electronic TV guides and do not apply to streaming, on-demand and internet-connected TVs. The lack of prominence of PSB content across all devices, particularly digital and streaming platforms, will result in consumers struggling to find much loved content in a format and language that they enjoy. The proposals contained in the Draft Media Bill on prominence are vital to the continued success of public service broadcasters in the twenty-first century. The Government must introduce the Media Bill to Parliament as early as possible in the next Session, which is due to begin in November 2023, and prioritise its passage through both Houses. Show less

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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 … Read more 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 vital that the channel has greater certainty over its long-term funding. We note that the Government has announced a review of the licence fee model. This will have implications for the delivery of Welsh language broadcasting by the BBC, and future funding of S4C. In its response to this Report, the Government must give assurances that the review includes a reference to safeguarding Welsh-language broadcasting. Show less

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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, … Read more 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, it can be difficult for a small nation such as Wales to attract investment and to highlight skills within its production sector. The Welsh and UK Governments must outline to us the steps they are taking to attract both PSBs and streaming services to produce more programmes in Wales. The UK Government should explain how it is harnessing the increased interest in Wales, especially in the USA, to attract streaming services to produce programmes in Wales. Show less

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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 … Read more 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 in-house commissioning by Channel 4 will help rather than harm the independent production sector in Wales. We call on the Government to make changes to the Draft Media Bill to reflect our concerns. We also call on Channel 4, in response to this Report, to outline their commitment to commissioning work from Welsh production companies. Show less

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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 …

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