Welsh Government
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New group to advise the First Minister on the future of broadcasting in Wales

A new group specially set up to advise the First Minister on the future of public service broadcasting in Wales will meet for the first time today (Thurs 6th Sept).

The broadcasting advisory panel will focus on all issues of public broadcasting, including the need protect and maintain specifically Welsh cultural, linguistic, economic and democratic interests.

Directly reporting to the First Minister, it will meet once a month and offer advice and recommendations on how best to maximise the impact of broadcasting in Wales.

The new panel will also advise the Welsh Government on a number of UK-wide consultations, including the Communications Bill, the new BBC charter and license discussions, the renewal of ITV licenses and the BBC’s role in the funding and regulation of S4C.

The first meeting will take place today Thursday 6th September. The members of the panel are:

  • Ron Jones - founder and Executive Chairman of the Tinopolis, one of the largest independent media companies in the UK with over 400 full-time staff.
  • Emyr Byron Hughes - a media lawyer and policy advisor with more than 30 years experience in the broadcast industry, having worked at a senior level in S4C, independent production and consultancy.
  • Professor Justin Lewis - Professor of Communication and Head of the Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, and  a regular commentator on media, politics and cultural issues in the UK and US media.
  • Hilary Boulding - Principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and has worked extensively in arts broadcasting, including periods as a Commissioning Editor at BBC Radio 3 and as Head of Arts and Music (Television and Radio) at BBC Wales.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

"Broadcasting in Wales is at a pivotal point. We live in a rapidly developing digital landscape and both BBC Wales and S4C face challenges.

"I want to make sure public service broadcasting remains strong and central to our national dialogue and reflects the country we are today, providing services in both English and Welsh.

"This new group will use its extensive knowledge and experience to advise the Welsh Government on how to secure a strong future for public broadcasting in Wales."

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