Welsh indie TV producers welcome MPs’ support for S4C

26 February 2015

TAC, the trade body for Welsh independent TV production companies, today welcomed the support for an independent S4C from the House of Commons Culture Media & Sport Committee.

The Committee’s report ‘The Future of the BBC’ stated that ‘It will be important that S4C remains independent operationally and managerially over its affairs and editorially over its content.’

The report also recommended that the BBC Trust be replaced by a new BBC unitary board overseen by a ‘Public Service Broadcasting Commission’, which would oversee the Licence Fee-funded broadcasters.

Iestyn Garlick, TAC Chair, commented:

“We are delighted that the Committee has recognised the importance of S4C remaining an independent entity for plurality of voice and for the creative industries in Wales.”

“Whilst we have productive dealings with the BBC Trust on a personal level, we agree, and have been calling for, a new regulatory body which more accurately reflects this fact.”

“The committee also recommends the Licence Fee being spent on fewer non-BBC projects and on that note we would call for the Charter Review to include a discussion on whether S4C should not once again be funded separately. In the meantime we are glad the Committee continues to support the principle of the Licence Fee which does much to fuel creative growth in Wales and the UK.”

“Lastly we are pleased that the Committee also supports the principle for competition in programme-making, but would urge caution regarding its recommendation to review the current TV Terms of Trade, which have done so much to grow our creative production sector.”

Contact Us