Broadcasting in Wales

Welsh Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 19 Jul 2022 Closed: 22 Jan 2024 Parliament page
The Welsh Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into broadcasting in Wales. It will consider how to ensure a successful and dynamic broadcasting sector in Wales; the future of public service broadcasting and the place of free-to-air sports broadcasting in Wales; and the impact of the privatisation of Channel 4 … Read more
20 Recommendations
7 Conclusions
2 Reports
9 Oral sessions
7 Letters
9 Events
Activity timeline 28 events
13 Mar
2024
Correspondence
24 Jan
2024
Correspondence
24 Jan
2024
Correspondence
22 Jan
2024
Report published
22 Jan
2024
Correspondence
16 Nov
2023
Correspondence
27 Oct
2023
Report published
27 Oct
2023
Report published
9 Oct
2023
Correspondence
28 Jun
2023
Oral evidence
28 Jun
2023
Correspondence
28 Jun
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Oral evidence sessions 9 sessions
28 Jun 2023
View on parliament.uk
Efa Gruffudd Jones · Comisiynydd y Gymraeg / Welsh Language Commissioner Lowri Williams · Welsh Language Commissioner Robert Specterman-Green · Department for Culture, Media and Sport Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP · Department for Culture, Media and Sport
7 Jun 2023
View on parliament.uk
Dyfrig Davies · S4C Ian Davis · Football Association of Wales Nigel Walker · Welsh Rugby Union Siân Price · Yeti Television Sioned William · Cwmni Da
10 May 2023
View on parliament.uk
Giles Derrington · TikTok Megan Thomas · Meta Tomos Grace · YouTube Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
19 Apr 2023
View on parliament.uk
Eleanor Marks · Ofcom Kate Biggs · Ofcom
1 Mar 2023
View on parliament.uk
Martin Mumford · Nation Broadcasting Terry Mann · GTFM Radio Toby Ellis · Pure West Radio
18 Jan 2023
View on parliament.uk
Adam Minns · COBA Benjamin King · Netflix
7 Dec 2022
View on parliament.uk
Phil Henfrey · ITV Cymru Wales Rhuanedd Richards · BBC Cymru Wales Siân Doyle · S4C
7 Dec 2022
View on parliament.uk
Phil Henfrey · ITV Cymru Wales Rhuanedd Richards · BBC Cymru Wales Sian Doyle · S4C
9 Nov 2022
View on parliament.uk
Guto Harri
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wales HC 620 27 Oct 2023 27 Responded
Darlledu yng Nghymru - Crynodeb HC 620 27 Oct 2023 0 Overdue
Recommendations & Conclusions
6 results
Clear
2 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wal…
Public service broadcasters face discoverability challenges in crowded digital media marketplace.
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
Government Response
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
View details
3 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wal…
Introduce Media Bill to Parliament early next Session and prioritise its passage.
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
Government Response
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
View details
8 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wal…
Require Government to assure licence fee review safeguards Welsh-language broadcasting provision
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
Government Response
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
View details
23 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wal…
Require Governments to outline steps attracting streaming services and PSBs to Wales
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
Government Response
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
View details
24 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wal…
Require Government to amend Media Bill and Channel 4 to support Welsh independent production
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
Government Response
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
View details
25 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wal…
Welsh creative industries face significant skills shortages hindering economic growth.
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 … Read more
Government Response
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.
Wales Office
View details
Government Response AI assessment · 27 of 20 classified
Accepted 6
Acknowledged 2
Deferred 13
Not Addressed 2
Rejected 4
Total 20 recs + 7 conclusions
Correspondence 7 letters
13 Mar 2024 To committee Letter from BBC Cymru Wales following on from the Committee’s Report into Broadcasting in Wales
Parliament page
24 Jan 2024 Correspondence from BBC Wales to the Chair relating to the Committee's report on Broadcasting in Wales
Parliament page
24 Jan 2024 Correspondence from Ofcom to the Chair relating to the Committee's report on Broadcasting in Wales
Parliament page
22 Jan 2024 Correspondence from the Welsh Government to the Chair in response to the Committee's report on Broadcasting in Wales
Parliament page
16 Nov 2023 Correspondence from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to the Chair relating to the introduction of the Media Bill
Parliament page
9 Oct 2023 Correspondence from the Chair to the Director for Wales, Ofcom, relating to availability of FM licenses
Parliament page
28 Jun 2023 Correspondence from Chair to Director for Wales, Ofcom, relating to Brass-Plating
Parliament page