S4C

S4C Announces Management Restructuring

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:30:11 GMT

S4C Chief Executive, Ian Jones has announced changes to the channel’s Management Team and its departmental organisation.

In the new structure the Chief Executive will have a team of four Directors, three fewer than in the previous structure.

The form and nature of departments will change and a further reduction in staff numbers is anticipated. By the completion of the proposed changes there will have been a substantial reduction in S4C staff levels since 2010. A voluntary redundancy scheme at the end of last year brought numbers down from 165 to 133 and it is proposed there will be a further net loss of 10 posts as a result of the planned restructure.

As part of the changes a number of jobs will be redefined and some new posts will be advertised in due course. There will be a period of consultation with individuals and the relevant trade union before any changes are implemented.

With the changes the positions of Director, Business Affairs and Director, Broadcasting and Distribution will disappear, and the position of Non-executive Director on the Management Team will be abolished.

The new Management Team will be:

Ian Jones, Chief Executive

Kathryn Morris, Director of Finance

Dafydd Rhys, Director of Content

Garffild Lloyd Lewis, Director of Communications, Marketing and Partnerships

Elin Morris, Director of Corporate and Commercial

Phil Williams the Secretary of the S4C Authority will continue to attend meetings of the S4C Management Team as an observer.

The proposed changes in the main affect the structure of the Content Department which from now on will incorporate content management, digital media, presentation and on-screen promotion, planning and research as well as commissioning. The Communications Department will be responsible for all elements of communications across S4C’s services and will incorporate Corporate Communications and take responsibility for Partnerships. Business and commercial matters will reside under the Department of Corporate and Commercial.

Broadcasting, Distribution and Information Technology will be the responsibility of a Chief Technical Officer reporting directly to the Chief Executive.

Ian Jones said, “The restructuring is the start of a process to prepare S4C for a future full of change and challenge. It’s a process which will evolve and adapt over the months and years ahead, but the aim is to place the viewer at the centre of everything that’s important to S4C by offering content of the highest possible standard available anytime across all possible platforms. Content, research, marketing and our relationship with viewers and other partners will provide the basis for future development. I’m sure the new structure will create an exciting environment that will promote creativity and boldness while at the same time offering an element of stability and long term planning.”

S4C Announces Changes to 'Heno' Magazine Programme

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:28:39 GMT

S4C has announced that changes will be made to the evening magazine programme ‘Heno’ in May following reaction and comments from viewers during the first few weeks of transmission.

Production Company Tinopolis and S4C have listened to viewers and decided to make changes to the content and style of the programme in order to place more emphasis on establishing a close relationship with audiences across Wales and reflect community activities.

There will be less studio content and more coverage what’s happening in communities in all parts of Wales. Further details will be published at a later date.

As part of the proposed changes, Tinopolis’ office in Caernarfon will re open in order to ensure regular coverage of north and mid Wales on ‘Heno’.

Some changes will also be made to the afternoon magazine programme ‘Prynhawn Da’ again in response to viewers’ comments.

Two Nominations for S4C Programmes at the 2012 Broadcast Digital Awards

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:46:11 GMT

A documentary about a gypsy traveller and his horse and S4C’s nursery service have reached the shortlist of the 2012 Broadcast Digital Awards.

Joe a Ruby (a Chwarel production) is nominated in the Best News or Current Affairs Content category. Cyw will compete against some of the biggest names in UK television for the prestigious Children’s Channel of the Year including CBeebies and Cartoon Network.

The Award Ceremony takes place in London on 20 June.

Geraint Rowlands, S4C’s Interim Director of Commissioning, said: “Congratulations to all the programme makers involved. Joe and Ruby’s sad tale caught the imagination of the viewers and offered an insight into Wrexham’s gypsy traveller community at the same time. Cyw continues to contribute significantly to the future of the Welsh language and enriches the lives and education of children in Wales and beyond seven days a week.”

The story of the man and his white horse gained much media attention after the pair were spotted at Wrexham train station, the doctor’s surgery and in front of the town pub. A one-off documentary was later commissioned and followed the faithful duo, 71 year old Joe Purcell and his horse, Ruby and the travellers community to which they belonged.

Cyw and its programmes have been recognised in the UK and beyond on many occasions since its launch in 2008. The service has twice been shortlisted in the Channel of the Year category at BAFTA Kids Awards and Cyw’s programmes have been victorious in the Royal Television Society, Broadcast, BAFTA Cymru and Celtic Media Festival awards.

S4C Supports '.cymru' and '.wales' Domain Campaign

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:03:01 GMT

S4C is pledging its support to the campaign to secure the right to use the ‘.cymru and ‘.wales’ domain name on the worldwide web.

The Channel joins many organisations and companies in Wales and beyond that are backing the campaign.

There has been a call for a number of years for Wales to have its own specific identity on the web by granting the right to use ‘.cymru’ or ‘wales’ as a domain name as well as ‘.uk’

But now, for the first time since 2008, ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers - the global body regulating and registering Internet domain names - has invited applications for new internet domain names.

Nominet, an UK-based company with proven experience of domain registration and regulation on the internet, is leading the campaign for a domain identity for Wales. If the bid is successful, Nominet says it will establish an office in Wales to manage the new domains. A bilingual Welsh/English service would be an integral part of the office. The Welsh Government has endorsed its bid to ICANN.

S4C’s Chief Executive, Ian Jones, says, "As a broadcaster, reflecting and promoting Wales and the Welsh language is at the heart of everything we do. Using the domain names ‘.cymru’ and ‘.wales’ would be a natural way of communicating our identity on our website and online and digital services.

"We also realise the huge benefits a ‘.cymru’ and ‘.wales’ domain names would offer to the business sector in our country. The domain would be an effective way for us and the companies that deliver our services to convey what is unique about our product."

Alex Blowers from Nominet says, “Securing the support of such a prominent Welsh broadcaster is a huge boost to the campaign. S4C is at the heart of our culture and creative industries in Wales and also a major exporter, with hundreds of its programmes sold to markets overseas."

S4C Announces Departure of Arshad Rasul

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:21:10 GMT

Arshad Rasul, S4C’s Director of Broadcast and Distribution, has decided to leave the channel to pursue new challenges within the industry.

Arshad has been in his current post since August 1999 and during his time at S4C he has overseen the channel’s digital switchover programme and the move to high definition broadcasting including the installation of a new high definition transmission area recently commissioned at the channel’s Cardiff headquarters.

He has also overseen the refurbishment and major updating of S4C’s offices in Cardiff and Caernarfon.

Prior to joining S4C, Arshad held senior engineering posts with companies and organisations including Panasonic Broadcast Europe and Channel Four. He was also the S4C representative

on the Board of Digital UK, the organisation responsible for managing the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting throughout the UK.

Arshad Rasul said, “I’ve greatly appreciated the support and professionalism within my directorate at S4C over the last 12 years and I thank everybody for working with me through all the challenges we’ve tackled during this period.”

Ian Jones, S4C’s Chief Executive, said, “Arshad has made a major contribution to the smooth running of the broadcast and engineering side of S4C for the last 12 years. I thank him for that contribution and wish him well for the future.”

S4C Appoints Four Content Commissioners

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 22:39:45 GMT

The four will be responsible for commissioning content and multi-platform digital services for the Channel under the leadership of S4C's Director of Content, Dafydd Rhys.

Sioned Roberts, Llion Iwan, Gwawr Lloyd and Gaynor Davies join S4C on initial 3 year contracts.

The four will be responsible for different aspects of commissioning for the programme service.

In addition and following internal reorganisation, Geraint Rowlands will take responsibility for some aspects of commissioning and managing certain teams within the Commissioning Directorate as Head of Broadcasting

The appointments are part of S4C's new commissioning strategy announced recently. S4C will move from a system of commissioning decisions being made jointly by the entire commissioning team to a structure where individual commissioners will commission content.

Ian Jones, S4C's Chief Executive, said, "I am delighted to welcome the four Content Commissioners to the new commissioning team. I believe this team has the talent, vision and experience to deliver an exciting, innovative programme schedule which will appeal to the widest possible audience.

"These are challenging and exciting times for the Channel as S4C needs to reach consumers on various digital platforms. I believe this team, by working closely with the creative sector in Wales and beyond, can meet the challenge by commissioning innovative and imaginative content."

S4C Announces New Director of Content

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:51:08 GMT

S4C has announced that Dafydd Rhys has been appointed as the Channel’s new Director of Content.

Dafydd has enjoyed a successful career in the broadcasting industry in Wales. He started with HTV working on children’s and entertainment programmes and throughout the nineties he worked in S4C as a Commissioning Editor and Director of Broadcasting.

In 1998 he joined Antena before leaving in 2000 to set up Pop1, as part of the Tinopolis group in Llanelli. Dafydd is the director of the company, responsible for the development strategy and for the day to day running of the company.

Pop1 has produced programmes such as Dic Jones – yn ei eiriau ei hun, Straeon Tafarn and the Sopranos programmes with Elin Manahan Thomas and last year another of the company’s productions Ras yn Erbyn Amser, won the Spirit of the Festival award at the Celtic Film Festival.

Dafydd says, “There is a big challenge facing S4C and a period of co-operation is required as we look to the future, co-operation with the production sector, the BBC and with our viewers in order to provide the best possible content and service. The viewers must be central to everything that we do in S4C, in a way that complies with the basic principle of a public broadcaster.”

The appointment is part of a new commissioning structure at S4C which will consist of a Director of Content and four Content Commissioners responsible for commissioning content and multi-platform digital services.

Ian Jones, Chief Executive, says, “I’m proud to appoint Dafydd to this key position. He is a very experienced and creative individual and I look forward to working with him and the commissioning team as we take on the challenges and opportunities in the coming months and years. Relevant content which appeals to our viewers is core to S4C and I’m confident that Dafydd and his team will promote co-operation across the creative sector in order to provide the best possible programmes and services to our viewers.”

S4C Improves Accessibility with Addition of Audio Description

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:37:59 GMT

During February a campaign on S4C is drawing attention to the Welsh language Audio Description service available, free, on most television sets. The service allows the blind and partially sighted to enjoy S4C programmes independently with the assistance of commentary.

Ten percent of the Channel’s programmes offer this service and currently include Cefn Gwlad, Teulu, Rownd a Rownd, Llais i Gymru, Sam Hughes: Cowboi Penfro, Dudley ar Daith, Bro: Papurau Bro, 'Sgota gyda Julian Lewis Jones and Cofio.

One viewer who benefits from the service is Rhian Evans, 67, from Carmarthen. Rhian was 18 years old when she was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Her eyesight deteriorated gradually and by the age of 32 she was almost completely blind.

The Audio Description service means she can follow popular S4C series.

"In the past, I've started watching a series knowing that my friends are sure to talk about it, but have become frustrated and turned off the TV because I was not able to follow the story. But the Audio Description service allows me to watch popular programmes and join in the conversation with my friends," says Rhian, who until her recent retirement worked for Llyfrau Llafar Cymru producing audio books for the blind.

"The problem is that many programmes begin with scenes and music and things happening, but no dialogue. The Audio Description commentary sets the scene for you between the bits where people talk.”

The commentary may include descriptions of continuity in the plot, visual expression, body language, costume and scenery.

“It definitely makes a difference when I go about choosing which programmes to watch," adds Rhian.

By changing the settings on your TV you can receive the service completely free of charge. For more details contact the S4C Viewers' Hotline on 0870 600 4141 (Calls should cost no more than 6p per minute from a BT landline) or visit the Audio Description website.

S4C Announces Welsh Premier League Live Games

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:33:54 GMT

S4C have announced which Welsh Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League games the football series, Sgorio, will be broadcasting live during the next two months.

One of the biggest games will be Bangor’s first game in the Welsh Premiership from their new stadium in Nantporth on 4 February, when they welcome Prestatyn.

As the Welsh Premiership returns after its mid-winter break, the league is divided into two sections of six.

The top six will play each other twice during the second half of the season and the bottom six will play each other twice before the plays-offs at the end of the season to decide who will win the last place in the European competitions.

At the end of the first half of the season, champions Bangor were at the top of the table with 50 points, with the New Saints tight on their heels with 49 points.

“We’re really looking forward to returning to Premier League games and there’s no better game to start the season than a Bangor home game,” says Sgorio presenter and commentator, Dylan Ebenezer.

“The last game at Farrar Road over Christmas was unforgettable and there’ll be great emotion and excitement as they play their first Premier League game at their new home.

“It promises to be an exciting second half of the season, with the New Saints, Llanelli and even Neath still in with a shout of winning the championship.”

Among the other games in the championship to make your mouth water are Llanelli v New Saints on Saturday, 18 February and Bangor v The New Saints on Saturday, 10 March.

The game between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen will be fascinating, as this will be the first time the Sgorio live match cameras will have covered Carmarthen since former international player Mark Aizelwood took over.

"It promises to be a very exciting second half of the season. Four teams are still in the race for the title, as there is still hope even for Neath,” adds Dylan Ebenezer.

"I think Bangor will clinch it in the end and retain the title - but it depends on how they settle at their new ground. The Bangor team depends a great deal on its guts and determination and the atmosphere at Farrar Road always raised the players’ performance.

“If they can settle in quickly at Nantporth, they should keep hold of the title, but they face a major challenge from The New Saints and Llanelli especially.”

Sgorio live games – Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League

February & March 2012

Saturday 4 February 2012

Bangor v Prestatyn (kick-off 15:45)

Saturday 11 February 2012

Aberystwyth v Carmarthen (kick-off 15:45)

Saturday 18 February 2012

Llanelli v New Saints (kick-off 15:00)

Saturday 3 March 2012

Bangor v Neath (kick-off 15:45)

Saturday 10 March 2012

Bangor v New Saints (kick-off 17:15)

S4C's Viewing Figures Showed an Increase in 2011

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:22:11 GMT

S4C’s viewing figures showed an increase last year, according to figures released by the Channel.

Average weekly reach for S4C in Wales in 2011 showed a rise of 7,000 – up from 467,000 in 2010 to 474,000. Throughout the UK, the Channel’s average weekly reach showed an increase of 2,000 over the year – up from 616,000 in 2010 to 618,000 in 2011.

There was also a substantial increase in the number of Welsh speakers watching S4C in 2011. The average weekly reach during the year among Welsh speakers in Wales was 223,000 – 26,000 higher than in 2010.

In peak, there was also an increase – 1,000 more watching S4C – up from 28,000 to 29,000.

Welcoming the figures, Arwel Ellis Owen, S4C’s Chief Executive, said, “These are very encouraging results proving that more and more viewers are pleased with the wide range of programmes available on S4C. Our aim, even in the current difficult economic circumstances, is to ensure what we offer on screen is of a high quality and attracts an increasing number of viewers here in Wales and more widely throughout the UK.”

S4C Announces 2011 Christmas and New Year Schedule

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:49:24 GMT

The epic film Patagonia and a drama which throws new light on the actor Richard Burton, and his relationship with his eldest brother, are among the highlights of the S4C Christmas and New Year schedule.

Also in the Christmas line-up, a series following the challenge of organising a Christmas pantomime in Seren Nadolig Rhos, a culinary challenge with Dudley: Pryd o Sêr and remembering two Welsh legends in the documentaries Orig, about the wrestler Orig Williams, and Cofio Ceredig about the actor Huw Ceredig.

As part of the celebrations, S4C has recorded a new video of the popular song Gŵyl y Baban, by Caryl Parry Jones, featuring stars of the Christmas and New Year programmes. The video will be shown throughout the period to promote the schedule and the song and video is available to download for free from the S4C website - s4c.co.uk/nadolig.

S4C will put a smile on your face with a variety of entertainment programmes such as Sioe ‘Dolig Tudur Owen, Dudley: Pryd o Sêr, Cnex, Ddoe am Ddeg, Dim Byd, Jonathan, Byw yn yr Ardd and Noson Lawen - including a special edition on Christmas Day featuring only young performers.

It’s been a busy three months for the residents of Rhosllannerchrugog after they were set a challenge by the series Seren Nadolig Rhos to put on their own pantomime. On Christmas Day, enjoy the fruits of their labour with the panto Wizard o Rhos.

The people of Rhos aren’t the only ones gearing up for a show. The programme Nadolig y Plant: Digwyddiadau 11 on Christmas Eve features four primary schools where the children are putting on unique performances this year.

Another duo who’ve taken on a festive challenge is the presenter Nia Parry and her friend Mel Parry, who have been working with local residents to put on a Christmas Fayre in Penygroes, Nantlle Vale. We follow their work in Mel a Nia on 7, 14 and 21 December.

There was quite a challenge facing the enthusiastic cariad@iaith:love4language gang of eight in July as they spent an intense week learning Welsh. In one special Christmas Eve programme we'll see the crew reunited once again, to see how their Welsh is coming along.

Eight brave celebrities take on the Dudley: Pryd o Sêr challenge on 27 to 30 December, and Dudley Newbery has warned that this year will be tougher than ever! Also on 16 December, in a special edition of Dudley ar Daith, the chef shares Christmas food ideas.

From Dudley’s kitchen, to the Cegin Peblig community kitchen project in Caernarfon. The programme Dos i Gwcio on 29 December catches up with the colourful character Kenny Khan to see how the project has developed since it featured in the series Cegin Cofi in April.

S4C’s music programmes will raise the roof including a concert Only Men Aloud - Nadolig Llawen, Sopranos, Cyngerdd Gala’r Eisteddfod featuring Shân Cothi, Wynne Evans and others, and the Rhydian series continues with a festive edition on 26 December. Also, celebrate with the two Huw’s in a special edition of Bandit yn Gigio.

Carolau o Langollen and Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol will provide traditional celebrations with emphasis on the true meaning of Christmas. Also, on 18 December, the documentary Dawel Nos tells an intriguing story about the carol Silent Night.

As we prepare to leave 2011 behind, a special programme on 30 December with newsreader Huw Edwards sums up the main news stories of the year from Wales and the World – the Royal Wedding, Rugby World Cup and the state of the economy are some of the topics.

On New Year’s Eve, Wedi 2011 looks back at the best of the year on Wedi 3 and Wedi 7. Also Noson Lawen, a special edition of Jonathan and a chance to enjoy some of your favourite Welsh songs in Cyngerdd Clasuron Pop.

Drama will be at the centre of the S4C schedule in the New Year. The epic film Patagonia on New Year’s Day is a celebration of Wales’ connection with Argentina, starring Nia Roberts, Matthew Rhys and Duffy.

The family saga Teulu returns on 8 January, and it’s a new era for Rownd a Rownd as, from 2 January, it will be broadcast every week of the year for the first time ever. To celebrate, three special programmes Rownd a Rownd Nôl a Mlaen during Christmas will draw together the best of the past, and look forward to the upcoming series.

A new three part drama Sombreros begins on 4 December, and the wild gang of Zanzibar are with us until the end of the year, and we also enjoy Christmas with Pobol y Cwm. When an illness strikes many of the residents, suspicion falls on the Deri’s turkey.

The drama Burton: Y Gyfrinach on 27 December throws new light on the life of Richard Burton. The fictional work sees Richard Harrington in the role of the Pont-rhyd-y-fen actor, and Dafydd Hywel plays his brother Ifor. A documentary Richard a Burton on 26 December takes an in-depth look at the drama and its Swiss setting.

Two documentaries will present a chance to remember two proud Welshmen. On Boxing Day, Tara Bethan presents the programme Orig in memory of her father, the wrestler Orig Williams, who died two years ago. In Cofio Ceredig on 28 December, Iestyn Garlick leads a host of familiar faces to pay tribute to the lovable actor Huw Ceredig, who died this year.

Another two documentaries shines a light on the careers of two Welshmen making their mark away from home. On 29 December, Mark Evans: Llanrhaeadr a Llundain looks at the blossoming career of the West End singer, and in the New Year a special documentary follows the Hollywood star Rhys Ifans in LA.

There is plenty of action on the playing fields as Y Clwb Rygbi brings live coverage of the derby matches in the RaboDirect Pro 12 - Blues v Dragons and Ospreys v Blues. Also live coverage of the British and Irish Cup clash between Pontypridd and Leeds on 17 December. Sgorio will mark an end of an era for Bangor City Football Club as they face Prestatyn in the last ever game to be held at the team's home Farrar Road on 27 December.

For the youngest viewers, there’s fun in the film Ffilm Cyw: Y Raplyfr Coll on 23 December and Christmas Day. Also, festive editions of some of your favourite programmes including Nadolig Marcaroni, Sbridiri and Hafod Haul, amongst others.

For the older children, there is a live edition of Stwnsh Sadwrn on 24 December. Also two editions of the quiz Meindia Dy Fusnes Selebs where the presenters compete and Tîm Talent helps Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Amlwch with their Christmas Concert.

S4C Authority Publishes Turner Report

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:05:54 GMT

The S4C Authority has published Richie Turner's Report following his review of the Channel's Efficiency and Innovation. The Authority has also published its response to the report's recommendations.

In its submission to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in August 2010, S4C stated that it would be conducting a root and branch review of all of S4C's activities. The first stage of that review was Sir Jon Shortridge's report on S4C's corporate governance which was published in February 2011. Following Sir Jon's report, the Authority charged S4C's chief executive with conducting a comprehensive review of the remainder of S4C's activities.

Numerous work groups and reports have looked at the commissioning process, the programme vision for 2012 and beyond, staffing and restructuring and efficiency and innovation within S4C's operations.

The work group tasked with reviewing S4C's internal efficiency and innovation commissioned Richie Turner of the University of Wales Global Academy to prepare a report.

The S4C Authority accepts the challenges set by the report and S4C's Management Team and the Authority have already taken steps to implement many of its recommendations.

During his survey Richie Turner sought the views and opinions of S4C staff and stakeholders and his report was submitted to the S4C Authority in July 2011.

Richie Turner was critical of the internal culture at S4C and of the way it communicated with its stakeholders. He offered a raft of recommendations to improve the management, culture and internal communications of S4C and made suggestions on improving efficiency and on promoting innovation. Many of the efficiency measures suggested by Richie Turner were underway at the time of writing the report and this progress was noted.

Huw Jones, Chair of the S4C Authority, said, "The Report is the result of work commissioned by S4C itself in order to help officers conduct a comprehensive review of the organisation's working practices. Bringing in an external person has allowed staff and outside suppliers to speak plainly and many of the messages being conveyed are uncomfortable and challenging ones.

"It is important that the Management Team and the Authority hear the messages, interpret them correctly and respond constructively to them. A great deal of work has been done already in this regard, as the Authority's response notes, but there is still more to be done. Although important announcements have been made in recent weeks which lay firm foundations for S4C's future, publishing this report today is a way of reminding ourselves of the importance of ensuring we make the best of the able staff we have and of the enthusiasm and talent of the independent producers and their teams.

"The matters raised are ones we will have to re-visit regularly over the coming months and years, especially in view of the budget cuts being implemented, so as to ensure that the processes of commissioning programmes and of providing the service take place in the most effective way possible."

Richie Turner said, "I welcome S4C's response and the progress they have made in implementing the changes recommended in my report. S4C should be commended for being open enough to ask for an independent review of their operational efficiency and innovative capabilities.

"The broadcaster now has the building blocks to create a more open and creative, ideas-driven organisation that fully reflects all aspects of Welsh culture and society."

S4C Publishes New Media Forum Report

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:16:08 GMT

The S4C Authority has published the first Report by its New Media Forum established by the Authority earlier this year. The Report contains a number of recommendations to the Authority and the Channel’s officers.

The S4C Authority today launched a public consultation on the Report and its recommendations. The closing date for responses is Tuesday 3 January.

The Forum was created to give advice and offer ideas to the Channel as it develops its New Media strategy.

The Forum hopes their recommendations will form the basis of a new policy in relation to New Media for S4C.

Among the recommendations made, the Forum suggests:

· Re-defining the Channel’s core purpose of providing ‘television services’ to include ‘a spectrum of different media.’

· Establishing detailed digital and commercial strategies as part of the work of developing the new service.

· Investing in on-line content through the S4C Digital Fund rather than commissioning content.

The Authority will respond to the Report and the results of the public consultation in due course.

The Forum is made up of nine members who have an interest and expertise in New Media. They are Carl Morris, Iwan Standley, Marc Webber, Rhys Miles Thomas, Llinos Thomas, Rhodri ap Dyfrig, Peter Watkins Hughes and Daniel Glyn. The chairman is Dyfrig Jones, a member of the S4C Authority.

Dyfrig Jones said, “S4C has already stated that the Channel needs to make developments in the field of New Media. The Forum’s ideas and recommendations will be vital to S4C as it makes progress in this key area.”

Huw Jones, Chair of the S4C Authority, said, “One of the proposals the Forum makes is that the Report itself should be widely circulated and that people who have an interest in the subject be invited to share their views. This will happen through the public consultation so that the strategic choices S4C has to face in this field are fully understood.”

The full report and public consultation form can be seen on http://www.s4c.co.uk/newmedia

S4C at the Heart of Wrexham's Community

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:48:27 GMT

S4C is set to descend on Wrexham and the surrounding area in November for the latest stage of the Calon Cenedl (Heart of the Nation) campaign, offering a series of free community events to locals.

The village of Rhosllannerchrugog, located five miles from Wrexham, has featured quite heavily on the channel in recent weeks with production company Boomerang’s camera crew following the community as they prepare for a unique Christmas pantomime on Seren Nadolig Rhos, every Tuesday at 20:25.

S4C’s Calon Cenedl will arrive to celebrate the end of the community’s dramatic efforts as they stage the panto in front of an audience at the Stiwt Theatre on 4 December. Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased at the Box Office on 01978 841300.

Between 15 November and 9 December, members of the local community will be able to enjoy events that promote S4C’s programmes, personalities and services, including a pub quiz, cookery and flower-arranging demonstrations and a magical show for pre-school children, as well as a Viewers’ Evening to voice their opinion of the channel.

The campaign begins on 15 November as troublesome duo Ant and Al, presenters of Stwnsh Sadwrn, pay a visit to the local schools.

The journey to North East Wales continues on Queens Square in Wrexham on Thursday 17 November when the town’s Christmas lights will be turned on. Ant ac Al and members of the Seren Nadolig Rhos community panto cast will be among those providing the entertainment during the course of the evening.

Fireman Sam and ‘naughty’ Norman Preis are among the special guests at Father Christmas’ Christmas Party at the Stiwt in Rhosllannerchrugog on 18 November.

On 23 November, a pub quiz gives locals the opportunity to win £200 towards a local charity or project and meet some of the Rownd a Rownd (S4C’s soap opera for young people) cast. Actor Dewi Rhys will keep a close eye on the competing.

Celebrity chef Dudley Newbery will bring the best of Welsh produce to the kitchen with a special cookery demonstration at Yale College on 24 November.

Rhosllannerchrugog kicks off this year’s Cyw and Friends Christmas Show, featuring Rapsgaliwn, Jac y Jwc and other favourites from the nursery service as they combine to save Christmas before it’s too late.

Byw yn yr Ardd presenter Sioned Rowlands will host a gardening question and answer session and prepare a flower-arranging demonstration at the Cross Chapel, Bodhyfryd, on 28 November.

The following evening, the cast and chorus of Seren Nadolig Rhos’ Christmas pantomime join Father Christmas on a parade through Rhosllannerchrugog, Johnstown and Ponciau. They will also provide entertainment on Market Street.

People living in the area will be given the opportunity to voice their opinion on S4C programmes and services to the Chairman of the S4C Authority, Huw Jones and S4C Chief Executive, Arwel Ellis Owen in a Viewers’ Evening, to be held at the Catrin Finch Centre, Glyndŵr University on Wednesday 30 November.

There will also be a chance to take a step back in time to see how Wrexham and the surrounding area has been portrayed on screen over the past 30 years with clips from the S4C archives.

Welsh Children’s Poet Laureate, Eurig Salisbury, hosts a poetry class with a twist for local schoolchildren to close the free activities in Wrexham.

S4C’s Director of Communications, Garffild Lloyd Lewis, says “We’re glad to be back in Wrexham and Rhos to celebrate Christmas and the latest S4C provision so soon after a memorable National Eisteddfod during the summer. There is an open invitation for everyone to come along to the free events and entertainment and to meet some of S4C’s most prominent personalities. A loop system and translation equipment will be available for Welsh learners and those who enjoy watching S4C but don’t speak Welsh.”

The 2011 Calon Cenedl campaign has already visited Ceredigion, Llŷn and Eifionydd, Anglesey and Blaenau Gwent whilst also raising money for local charities and community activities.

S4C to Broadcast Live Coverage of Wrexham's FA Cup First Round Clash

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:02:53 GMT

S4C will broadcast the FA Cup with Budweiser first round tie between Cambridge United and Wrexham live and exclusive on the Channel.

S4C’s flagship series Sgorio will be at Cambridge United’s R Costings Abbey Stadium on Friday, 11 November, for the whole match, with coverage starting at 19:35 and kick off at 19:45.

The match is also being shown live simultaneously on the S4C website – s4c.co.uk/sgorio - available on-line throughout the UK. Live English subtitles will be provided during the match.

S4C is also available in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Sky 134 and Freesat 120 and in Wales on Freeview 4, Sky 104, Virgin 167 and Freesat 104

This is the third season in succession that S4C has acquired rights to broadcast Welsh club matches in the FA Cup, with both Cardiff and Swansea featuring in previous seasons.

S4C’s Director of Commissioning Geraint Rowlands: “This is great news for football fans all over the UK. It’s a plum draw in the first round between two of the form teams in the Blue Square. Our previous FA live matches have generated great viewing figures and I expect that this match will capture the imagination of football fans.”

This match between two of the leading teams in the Blue Square Premier is one of the main draws in this season’s FA Cup with Budweiser first round.

Wrexham have a great tradition and record in the FA Cup over the years – who can forget that famous 2-1 win against Arsenal at the Racecourse Ground in 1992 when Mickey Thomas scored that legendary goal?

The North Wales side are currently on top of the Blue Square Premier and are going from strength to strength under the guidance of new manager Andy Morrell.

A run in the cup would be a huge boost for the club which is currently being taken over by the club’s Supporters Trust.

Morgan Jones presents the coverage in the company of former Wrexham and Wales goalkeeper Dai Davies, with commentary and analysis from Dylan Ebenezer and Malcolm Allen.

Shining Solar Company to Sponsor S4C Weather Service

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:29:16 GMT

One of the UK’s fastest growing solar energy companies, Pv Solar Solutions Ltd, is set to sponsor S4C’s innovative weather service.

Pv Solar Solutions Ltd’s sponsorship of S4C’s on-screen Tywydd weather service and the ground-breaking weather app will go on air from Thursday, 27 October with a colourful on-screen and on-line animation sting. The sponsorship is set to run initially for a period of 12 months.

Produced by Tinopolis in association with Weather Central, the Channel’s Tywydd weather service is regarded as one of the most innovative on UK television and on-line.

S4C’s daily weather bulletins, presented by Mari Grug, Chris Jones and Erin Roberts from the company’s Llanelli studios, are complemented by the Tywydd on-line service at s4c.co.uk/weather and the S4C weather app for the iPhone.

It is the only UK weather service to provide 1km forecasting, giving viewers the most detailed local forecasts possible.

Pv Solar Solutions Ltd only began trading a year ago, providing cost-efficient solar energy and investment solutions to homeowners and commercial installers throughout the United Kingdom.

The company has expanded rapidly and now employs some 90 people in a 16,000 sq foot office and warehouse space in Cardiff Bay.

Martyn Ware, the company’s sales and marketing director said: "We are very happy to be sponsoring the weather service on S4C. Our aim is to inform Welsh citizens of the benefits of solar energy and help make a greener Wales.”

S4C Chief Executive Arwel Ellis Owen added: “We are extremely proud of our innovative weather service which is warmly appreciated by viewers, on-line and iPhone users. We are glad to welcome a forward-looking, innovative solar energy company to sponsor this ground-breaking service.”

The sponsorship agreement was negotiated by Val Harmer, Commercial Sponsorship Manager for Optimal Media Sales who handles media sales on behalf of S4C.

Val Harmer said: "We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Pv Solar Ltd’s sponsorship of S4C’s Tywydd weather bulletins. The strength of any sponsorship is the affinity between the brand and the programme and this is a particularly good match.”

BBC and S4C Agree Future S4C Governance

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:24:18 GMT

An agreement has been reached between the S4C Authority, the BBC Trust and the DCMS on the future funding, governance and accountability of S4C until 2017.

The arrangements will protect the editorial and managerial independence of S4C, whilst safeguarding appropriate accountability to the BBC Trust for licence fee funding spent by the service.

This agreement concludes the negotiations between S4C, the BBC Trust and the UK Government after last year’s BBC licence fee settlement, in which it was agreed to establish a new partnership and funding arrangements for S4C.

It follows yesterday’s announcement by the BBC regarding the level of licence fee that will be provided to S4C for the final two years of the BBC Charter.

The chairmen of both organisations welcomed the progress that had been made in reaching agreement on these issues.

BBC Trust Chairman, Lord Patten, said:

“This is good news for the Welsh-speaking audience. Our agreement safeguards S4C’s editorial independence while ensuring effective oversight of licence fee funds. It will also forge a closer working relationship between BBC Wales and S4C, which will see savings reinvested in quality programming that viewers expect.

“I’d like to pay particular tribute to our Trustee for Wales, Elan Closs Stephens, for her significant contribution to the successful conclusion of these negotiations.”

Chairman of the S4C Authority, Huw Jones said:

“The outcome is a significant step forward for the Channel at the end of detailed and protracted talks between the three parties, and I would like to pay tribute to all who had participated in the discussions and negotiations that led up to what is a historic and significant agreement.

“This agreement will safeguard the Welsh language services provided by S4C for the foreseeable future. It will allow S4C to maintain its editorial and managerial independence, while providing accountability to the BBC Trust for income received from the licence fee, and to DCMS for its part of S4C’s funding. The funding formula which the BBC Trust has offered for the 2015-2017, and which the S4C Authority has accepted, while challenging, will provide stability for S4C and the production sector in a difficult financial climate, as we identify and deliver efficiencies, and build a new partnership with the BBC.

“I would like to thank all those individuals and organisations, in Parliament, the National Assembly and elsewhere, who have contributed so prominently to the public debate about the future of S4C, to Arwel Ellis Owen and the small, but wholly dedicated team at S4C, who have left no stone unturned, to BBC leaders and officials who have striven alongside us to arrive at a mutually acceptable conclusion, and to Ministers and officials at DCMS and the Wales Office whose overview has been invaluable. The S4C Authority is happy to commend this agreement and looks forward to participating in the public consultation process which the Secretary of State has undertaken to conduct.”

The key elements of the governance arrangement are:

- S4C will continue to be overseen by the S4C Authority, chaired by Huw Jones.

- S4C’s current statutory remit to provide high quality Welsh language programming will remain as now, overseen by the S4C Authority.

- The BBC Trustee for Wales will become a member of the Authority and the BBC will have a role, alongside S4C and the UK and Wales Government, in the selection of Authority members.

- The BBC Trust and S4C will establish an operating agreement for the S4C service, setting out the scope of the service to be provided by the licence fee.

- The operating agreement will be the key accountability document between the S4C Authority and the BBC Trust, and the Trust will report publicly each year on S4C’s achievement against it.

- S4C will have an independent management board consisting solely of S4C executives.

- S4C and BBC Wales will work together to deliver efficiencies in administrative and back office functions so that both S4C and BBC Wales can spend more money on programmes.

- S4C will continue to commission programming from the independent sector, as now.

The agreement on future governance and accountability has been reached ahead of a debate in the House of Commons this afternoon on S4C’s future. The position is subject to successful passage of the Public Bodies Bill.

S4C to Webcast Women's Football International Live

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:44:39 GMT

S4C will broadcast the Wales Women Football’s match against France Women live on-line on Saturday, 22 October.

Flagship show Sgorio’s production team will provide the live coverage from Parc y Scarlets. Llanelli, with the match set to kick off at 18:00.

This is the fist time that S4C has broadcast one of Wales Women’s football internationals live. It also breaks new ground as the first international football for S4C to stream as a web broadcast only.

The game will be shown live on S4C’s Sgorio website - s4c.co.uk/sgorio – with Bryn Tomos providing the commentary in a Rondo production for S4C.

The match is an important UEFA European Championship qualifier against a country which reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Football World Cup in the summer.

This will be the second live football game on S4C this Saturday as the Welsh Premier League match between Bangor and Neath will be televised live on Sgorio at 15:00 in the afternoon.

The Football Association of Wales has heartily welcomed the broadcast.

Ian Gwyn Hughes, the FAW’s Head of Public Affairs said: “This is a great opportunity to promote the women’s game in Wales. We are breaking new ground here and once again we welcome the close working co-operation between us as a sports organisation and S4C.”

Geraint Rowlands, S4C’s Director of Commissioning said that the Channel was looking forward to broadcasting women’s international football.

Geraint Rowlands: said: “We are delighted to be broadcasting women’s international football. It reflects S4C’s commitment to broadcast the widest possible variety of Welsh football. The interest in the women’s game is growing all the time and this broadcast will be welcomed by S4C’s many football followers.”

Huw Jones Outlines his Vision for S4C in 2015

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:18:46 GMT

Huw Jones, Chair of the S4C Authority, shared his vision of the Channel in four years’ time in an address to the Institute of Welsh Affairs today.

According to Huw Jones S4C will be leaner but more effective by 2015.

“It will be a multi-media organisation responsible for commissioning and broadcasting original content which will make an important contribution to a rich and attractive culture through the medium of Welsh,” he said. “It will be facilitating access to the service for those who don’t speak Welsh.

“It will be an effective partner for the BBC – managing itself but being accountable to the BBC Trust for its use of licence money and to the Government for the other public money.”

From the standpoint of the language, economically and culturally S4C will continue to play an all-important role in the life of the nation.

Huw Jones said that in 2015 ‘S4C will be an integral part of the development and continuation of the Welsh language and making far-reaching economic and cultural contributions.’

He said, “It will continue to be a firm foundation for the independent production sector in Wales which will, in its turn, be increasingly successful in wider markets.”

Referring to the discussions between S4C, the BBC Trust and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport regarding arrangements for financing, governing and managing the channel from 2013-14 onwards, Huw Jones said he did not believe ‘it was all over for S4C’s independence’ in the new structure.

“I believe it’s possible, by continuing our discussions, to come to an agreement which, on the one hand, will acknowledge the fact that most of S4C’s budget from 2013 will come from the television licence fee and, on the other hand, that there is a commitment for S4C to keep its operational and editorial independence while creating a practical new partnership with the BBC,” he said.

The intensive nature of the discussions between the three parties showed how ‘sincere efforts on both sides were to come to a conclusion which respected the principles that were fundamental to the two organisations,’ he said.

“One of the things of vital importance to S4C is to be able to show clearly, under the new arrangement, that S4C can make its own final decisions on operational matters as well as editorial, for example when making recommendations regarding different ways of operating and that its own administrative officers are free to assess the benefits of each recommendation from the standpoint of the value it will bring to S4C’s service and S4C’s viewers.

Already in 2011 S4C has lost £11m compared to the budget available in 2010. Compared to what it would have received under the Broadcasting Act the reduction is £14.5m. Next year, 2012, the income will be down to £83m and it will remain at that level without an increase for inflation for a further two years. S4C faces a cut of about 36% in its income by 2015 compared to what would have been generated by the formula existing under the present Act, namely an increase in line with inflation.

Internally, a substantial number of savings have already been made and S4C’s financial plans mean that by 2014 the channel will have reached a level of reductions in internal costs which, as a percentage, will match the cuts in the programme budget.

Huw Jones said, “At present, there is no security of any sort regarding the budget that might be available beyond 2015 and mixed messages have been given regarding who will make the decision regarding our financing beyond that and how the decision will be made. On the one hand, the new agreement between the Government and the BBC states that the level of S4C’s income from the licence fee after 2015 will be for the BBC to decide. On the other hand, the Government itself has presented an amendment to the Public Bodies Bill which states that the Secretary of State will continue to have the responsibility of securing that S4C has sufficient funds at its disposal to fulfil its statutory duties. We have already voiced our concern about these mixed messages.

“What we all know, of course, is that there is no way the BBC can make any commitment beyond 2017 because that is when its current Royal Charter comes to and end. But it might within the BBC’s power to make a financial commitment to S4C from the licence fee money which will mean financial security from that source until 2017, and also for the Secretary of State to make it absolutely clear that he is serious about his intention to guarantee sufficient funding for S4C – from more than one source – in order to gave S4C financial security up to 2017.

“These two commitments can be made within the present timetable of the present agreement between S4C and the BBC given a general desire to convince the people of Wales that S4C’s financial future is safe, albeit at a level much lower than before, until 2017. Before that too, there will be a new Broadcasting Act to present in the life of this Parliament, and an opportunity presented then to consider again the foundations given to the service.

“By getting all these elements together, therefore, our aim is that our discussions will bear fruit, that there will an agreement that protects S4C’s independence while securing accountability to the BBC for the use of licence payers’ money, that there will be a practical and fruitful partnership and also financial security up to 2017. Having secured agreement on these matters, the promise given by the Secretary of State is that there will then be a public consultation and an opportunity for everyone with an interest in expressing an opinion to say whether the agreement fulfils what they consider important as the foundation of a successful Welsh television service.

S4C Confirm Ian Jones as Chief Executive

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:07:12 GMT

The S4C Authority has confirmed the appointment of Ian Jones as the Channel’s new Chief Executive.

Ian Jones is one of the television industry’s most experienced senior managers having worked in the domestic and international industry for nearly 30 years. He has a broad range of experience across broadcasting, production, co-production and international TV and is, at present, Managing Director, Content Distribution and Commercial Development, International for A+E Television Networks in New York.

He will be taking up his new post at the latest on 22 April 2012 when he has finalised any commitments with AETN. Meanwhile, Arwel Ellis Owen will remain as interim Chief Executive.

Ian Jones, originally from Morriston, Swansea, was one of the team that launched S4C in 1982 and after working on Network Entertainment programming at ITV and as an Independent producer he rejoined S4C as Director of Business, S4C International and Co-productions between 1992 and 1997. Since then he has worked in senior positions for Scottish Television, United News and Media, (ITEL), Granada International and served an unprecedented two years as Chair of the British Television Distribution Industry Association (BTDA). He was President of National Geographic Television International from 2004 to 2007 commuting regularly between Washington and London, before becoming Group Managing Director of Target Entertainment Group.

He was appointed to his present post a year ago. A+E Television Networks is one of the most successful cable TV companies in the USA.

Ian Jones’ appointment follows an executive search process by the S4C Authority.

Huw Jones, Chair of the Authority, said, “Ian Jones has had an immensely impressive career in the international television industry since being head-hunted from S4C in 1997. I’m very pleased he feels that the challenge facing S4C during the next few years is both exciting and attractive, and that he wants to return to Wales to be part of it with us. I’m certain his extensive and varied experience, his deep understanding of what creates a successful television service, and his reputation for establishing effective working partnerships, will be a huge advantage to S4C as he takes up the reins.”