12 February 2009

 S4C has been praised by a committee of MPs for the way it enables audiences across the United Kingdom and beyond to watch Welsh language television programmes as well as for its contribution to the Welsh economy. The Channel gave evidence to the Welsh Affairs Select Committee inquiry into the effect of globalisation on Wales.

The MPs report, which is published today, says, "We congratulate S4C on its success in engaging with the Welsh Diaspora by means of innovative methods such as providing services via satellite TV, online and through Internet Protocol Television."

The Committee also noted that through its activities S4C contributed to the creation of more than 2,200 jobs in Wales and turned over a multiplier of over £85 million within the Welsh economy.

John Walter Jones, the Chair of S4C, said "This is a major vote of confidence in S4C by an influential Parliamentary committee. We are committed to public service broadcasting and want to make the most of the public funding we receive so that as many people as possible can enjoy our programmes. I must pay credit to the work of our Chief Executive Iona Jones and her team in making S4C the success it is and it is good to know that parliamentarians too recognise what is being achieved."