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
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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
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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
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Giles Derrington · TikTok Megan Thomas · Meta Tomos Grace · YouTube Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
19 Apr 2023
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Eleanor Marks · Ofcom Kate Biggs · Ofcom
1 Mar 2023
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Martin Mumford · Nation Broadcasting Terry Mann · GTFM Radio Toby Ellis · Pure West Radio
18 Jan 2023
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Adam Minns · COBA Benjamin King · Netflix
7 Dec 2022
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Phil Henfrey · ITV Cymru Wales Rhuanedd Richards · BBC Cymru Wales Siân Doyle · S4C
7 Dec 2022
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Phil Henfrey · ITV Cymru Wales Rhuanedd Richards · BBC Cymru Wales Sian Doyle · S4C
9 Nov 2022
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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
4 results
Clear
9 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wal…
Establish enhanced long-term partnership between S4C and BBC Cymru Wales with independence safeguards
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 … Read more
Government Response
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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12 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wal…
Amend Ofcom's remit to designate events requiring live Welsh language commentary
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 … Read more
Government Response
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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26 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wal…
Reform Apprenticeship Levy and increase shared apprenticeship rollout for Welsh creative industries.
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 … Read more
Government Response
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 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth Report - Broadcasting in Wal…
Examine if current criterion adequately defines Welsh-based productions in the Draft Media Bill.
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 … Read more
Government Response
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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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