Menu
04/06/2010
Wales Broadcasting 'In Crisis'
The BBC Trust has refused to comment on a call to redistribute funding to allow for a better English-language television service in Wales
A spokesman said: "We are not going to comment on individual responses to the strategy review consultation. All responses to our consultation will be taken into consideration."
However, the Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA) is calling for an immediate cash injection of £5m to improve the service.
It claims English-language television in Wales is "in crisis" following the reduction of ITV Wales' output and cuts at the BBC.
The IWA's call comes in a report in response to the BBC's current strategy review which has attracted publicity for threatening cuts, including the closure of BBC 6 Music, the Asian Network and half of the corporation's websites.
The IWA, chaired by former BBC Wales Controller Geraint Talfan Davies, argues that ITV Wales' output in English has "collapsed" and that of BBC Wales has fallen by 18% since 2003.
It says the BBC spending should be "re-balanced" by halting cuts in BBC Wales and switching £5m to Wales to fund an additional two hours of new programming a week.
The IWA's report says BBC Wales' £23m English-language TV budget should progressively grow to around £40m to provide better provision in drama, music, arts, factual and light entertainment programming.
It said: "This re-balancing should be achieved over a three-year period by halting the present budgetary cuts within BBC Wales, and beginning with a switch of not less than £5m into Wales to allow for an additional two hours per week of new programming.
"The BBC should continue to enhance its contribution to Welsh culture and society, and has a particular obligation to do so, now that ITV Wales output has collapsed."
The report says the BBC "must provide an English-language service that delivers demonstrably greater equity between the two languages in Wales".
It also calls for urgent action to ensure that Radio Wales and Radio Cymru enjoy the same transmission coverage in Wales as the BBC's UK services.
It says Radio Wales gets to only 62% of the audience in FM and less than 50% on DAB. UK services have 88% of coverage.
(BMcC/GK)
A spokesman said: "We are not going to comment on individual responses to the strategy review consultation. All responses to our consultation will be taken into consideration."
However, the Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA) is calling for an immediate cash injection of £5m to improve the service.
It claims English-language television in Wales is "in crisis" following the reduction of ITV Wales' output and cuts at the BBC.
The IWA's call comes in a report in response to the BBC's current strategy review which has attracted publicity for threatening cuts, including the closure of BBC 6 Music, the Asian Network and half of the corporation's websites.
The IWA, chaired by former BBC Wales Controller Geraint Talfan Davies, argues that ITV Wales' output in English has "collapsed" and that of BBC Wales has fallen by 18% since 2003.
It says the BBC spending should be "re-balanced" by halting cuts in BBC Wales and switching £5m to Wales to fund an additional two hours of new programming a week.
The IWA's report says BBC Wales' £23m English-language TV budget should progressively grow to around £40m to provide better provision in drama, music, arts, factual and light entertainment programming.
It said: "This re-balancing should be achieved over a three-year period by halting the present budgetary cuts within BBC Wales, and beginning with a switch of not less than £5m into Wales to allow for an additional two hours per week of new programming.
"The BBC should continue to enhance its contribution to Welsh culture and society, and has a particular obligation to do so, now that ITV Wales output has collapsed."
The report says the BBC "must provide an English-language service that delivers demonstrably greater equity between the two languages in Wales".
It also calls for urgent action to ensure that Radio Wales and Radio Cymru enjoy the same transmission coverage in Wales as the BBC's UK services.
It says Radio Wales gets to only 62% of the audience in FM and less than 50% on DAB. UK services have 88% of coverage.
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 April 2015
11-Year-Old Arrested In Connection With Wild Fires
South Wales Police have arrested a number of children, one as young as 11, in connection with grass fires across the Rhondda valley, which has suffered more grass fires than any other south Wales area.
11-Year-Old Arrested In Connection With Wild Fires
South Wales Police have arrested a number of children, one as young as 11, in connection with grass fires across the Rhondda valley, which has suffered more grass fires than any other south Wales area.
11 February 2009
Fatalities After Mid-Air Plane Crash
Four people are feared dead following a mid-air aircraft collision near a nature reserve. South Wales Police were alerted to the accident which occurred near the reserve at Porthcawl, just before 11am on Wednesday. Jeff Tildesley, Deputy Mayor of Bridgend Council, said he believed at least two people were killed in the incident.
Fatalities After Mid-Air Plane Crash
Four people are feared dead following a mid-air aircraft collision near a nature reserve. South Wales Police were alerted to the accident which occurred near the reserve at Porthcawl, just before 11am on Wednesday. Jeff Tildesley, Deputy Mayor of Bridgend Council, said he believed at least two people were killed in the incident.
21 May 2008
New Direction For 'The Doctor' As Davies Signs Off
The writer and producer of celebrated sci-fi series 'Doctor Who' is stepping down. Russell T Davies, 45, was responsible for bringing the much loved cult drama back to the small screen in 2005. Steven Moffat who has just written the screenplay for 'Tintin' will replace Davies.
New Direction For 'The Doctor' As Davies Signs Off
The writer and producer of celebrated sci-fi series 'Doctor Who' is stepping down. Russell T Davies, 45, was responsible for bringing the much loved cult drama back to the small screen in 2005. Steven Moffat who has just written the screenplay for 'Tintin' will replace Davies.
16 March 2012
BBC To Move Forward With Paid Download Service
The BBC's director of archive content Roly Keating has said viewers are “very comfortable” with the corporations plans to launch an iTunes-style download service.
BBC To Move Forward With Paid Download Service
The BBC's director of archive content Roly Keating has said viewers are “very comfortable” with the corporations plans to launch an iTunes-style download service.
27 May 2011
Trust Launches Review Of BBC News Channel And BBC Parliament
The BBC Trust has launched its service review of BBC Parliament and BBC News Channel, as part of its rolling programme of service reviews. The review will look at the current performance of BBC Parliament and the News Channel - including the stations' quality, distinctiveness and value for money - and the BBC's future plans for the services.
Trust Launches Review Of BBC News Channel And BBC Parliament
The BBC Trust has launched its service review of BBC Parliament and BBC News Channel, as part of its rolling programme of service reviews. The review will look at the current performance of BBC Parliament and the News Channel - including the stations' quality, distinctiveness and value for money - and the BBC's future plans for the services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
