Background
S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru - Channel Four Wales) started broadcasting at 18:00 on Monday 1 November 1982. To begin with, 22 hours of Welsh language programmes were broadcast every week, alongside English programmes from the Channel 4 service. Today, S4C is a wholly Welsh language channel broadcasting over 115 hours of programmes each week. It commissions independent producers from across Wales to make the majority of its programmes. ITV Cymru Wales is also commissioned to produce programmes. BBC Cymru Wales provides around 10 hours of programming per week for S4C, including the news and daily soap Pobol y Cwm, funded out of the licence fee. S4C's main offices are in Canolfan S4C Yr Egin, Carmarthen; there are also S4C offices in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, and in Central Square, Cardiff.
More information
Why was S4C established?
Before 1982, a limited number of Welsh language programmes were broadcast on BBC 1 and ITV. During the 1970s, the UK government decided a fourth television channel would be established alongside BBC 1, BBC 2 and ITV. This proposed fourth channel was seen by many as an opportunity for a new beginning in public service broadcasting in Wales. Following intensive campaigning, S4C was established by the 1980/1981 Broadcasting Acts.
How can I watch S4C?
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What TV channel is S4C available on? Is S4C available online? Which devices can I use to watch S4C? All the answers on one page.
Further information
For more details, please contact S4C's information service, the Viewers' Hotline.
