Independent review of S4C launched
UK Government Minister Guto Bebb launches review at National Eisteddfod
S4C
The UK Government has today announced that Euryn Ogwen Williams will lead an independent review of the Welsh broadcaster S4C.
The review will look at key parts of the organisation including S4C’s remit, governance, accountability and its partnership with the BBC and current funding methods.
UK Government in Wales Minister Guto Bebb made the announcement during a visit to the National Eisteddfod on Anglesey where it was also confirmed that BBC will provide a one off payment of support of £350,000 in 2017/18 to provide further stability during the review period.
Euryn Ogwen Williams said:
It’s a great honour to be asked to lead the review of S4C at a critical time for the organisation as it meets the challenges of the rapidly changing media landscape. The next decade will be even more challenging as S4C, like all public service broadcasters, nurtures the relationship with its audiences in the digital world. It must also play a vital role in the development of the Welsh language at a critical time in its history.
Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said:
Euryn has great experience in Welsh broadcasting and was the first Director of programmes when S4C was set up in 1982. His excellent understanding of Welsh broadcasting and the Welsh language, culture and society will only benefit the progress of this important review.
UK Government in Wales Minister Guto Bebb said:
S4C and the wealth of content it produces makes an important contribution to cultural and economic life in Wales, to the prosperity of the Welsh language and to the strength of our creative sector.
The UK Government has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to a strong and independent Welsh language TV service. We are delighted that Mr Williams has agreed to lead this important, independent review. He is tasked with the job of assessing S4C’s remit, the way in which it is funded and its governance with a view to ensuring that the broadcaster can continue to invest in high-quality programming and meet the needs of Welsh speaking audiences long into the future.
Huw Jones, Chair of S4C Authority said:
We welcome the Government’s announcement regarding the review of S4C, and that Euryn Ogwen Williams, an experienced broadcaster and perceptive analyst of the future of the media, has been appointed to lead the review.
The review will be a key opportunity to note the importance the S4C service’s unique contribution to the culture and economy of Wales and the United Kingdom, and to the future of the Welsh language.
Recommendations from the review will be presented to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) later this year.
The Government announced in March that it will provide an additional £350,000 of capital funding to S4C for 2017/18 to help it upgrade technical and IT equipment. The Secretary of State decided that this level of funding should continue for the second half of the year.
Notes to editors:
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Euryn Ogwen Williams was the First Director of Programmes when S4C was set up in 1982 and then became the deputy CEO in 1988 until 1991. He has over 50 years of broadcasting experience in Wales, as well as a deep knowledge of the Welsh language, Welsh culture and society.
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The terms of reference of the review are available here