29 March 2023

In response to the publication by DCMS of the draft Media Bill, Siân Doyle, S4C's Chief Executive, said:

"We are delighted to see the draft Media Bill being published.

"This will confirm S4C's position as a provider of multi-platform Welsh language content throughout the UK and beyond.

"We also welcome the proposals to update media regulation generally following the Government's White Paper published last year.

"The new framework will make the UK's indigenous languages, including Welsh, part of the new public service remit for television in the UK.

"It will also extend media laws to online TV viewing and ensure that S4C Clic will be available on connected TVs and prominent on TVs in Wales.

"This will support our ambitions for audiences to be able to find S4C on-demand on connected TVs and that our Welsh language content will be prominent and easy to discover for viewers in Wales.

"We welcome the Government's intention to consult on the draft Bill and we look forward to reviewing the details of the Bill."

Rhodri Williams, S4C's Chairman, said:

"On behalf of the S4C Board, I greatly welcome the publication of the Media Bill. This will modernise S4C's remit for a digital age, building on the recommendations of the Independent Review of S4C conducted by the late Euryn Ogwen Williams in 2018.

"This will enable us to develop our services further and place Welsh language content on-demand on the main platforms across the UK."