23 March 2020

As S4C adjusts its schedule in the midst of covid-19 developments, Owen Evans, the channel's Chief Executive, has announced today that S4C will broadcast a 'morning service', every Sunday morning at 11:00 for those unable to attend the Chapel or Church.

Oedfa Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol will be led by Reverend John Gwilym Jones with the hymns selected from the Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol archive starting Sunday 29 March.

There will also be a broadcast of Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol before that at 10.30 on Sunday mornings.

In an email to the channel's viewers Owen Evans said: "We live in difficult times, and I know everyone is concerned about their health, the health of their families and their jobs.

"But in the middle of all of this I would like to assure you that S4C is here for you over the coming days and weeks.

"Over this period - our priorities will be; to ensure that you have the latest information on the situation, offer you ideas and support on how to cope and finally offer entertainment so that Covid-19 can be forgotten for a while."

S4C recently had to postpone its Viewers' Evening which was due to take place in Aberystwyth, but instead held a Facebook live session with Owen Evans and Amanda Rees, the channel's Content Director.

Many suggestions came flooding in by viewers about what they would like to see over the coming weeks, and S4C hopes to be able to respond to these requests.

As part of the message, Owen also explained how S4C's schedule would adapt during this time: "Our aim is to keep you up to date through our News service at 7:30 every night. Y Byd ar Bedwar also returns on 1 April with Dot Davies presenting.

"While Covid-19 will feature prominently, other topics will be covered as well. And of course Prynhawn Da and Heno will be part of our daily schedule with practical information and they would love to hear from you. "

He also noted that a number of new commissions were in the pipeline, including a program inspired by the Côr-ona Facebook group.

The group has attracted nearly 30,000 followers and Rhys Meirion will pursue this phenomenon.

In addition Rugby a Coronavirus will be shown on Friday, 27 March which looks at the side effects Covid-19 will have on the four rugby regions of Wales and rugby on the ground, and the significant impact that the virus will have on rugby communities and supporters and volunteers across Wales.

There will also be an opportunity to enjoy old favourites from the archive in box-set format on S4C Clic.

There will be plenty of programmes for the children on S4C Clic and Cyw Tiwb, and Cyw has recently launched Ysgol Cyw which includes a number of educational resources and programmes.

Owen Evans said: "S4C has a key role to play in the lives of the people of Wales over the coming months.

"Our cutting-edge news services will keep our viewers up to date.

"In addition we hope that our channel will be able to offer comfort and companionship to our viewers during the difficult months ahead."