16 December 2009

  S4C has, for the first time, launched an audio version of its viewers' magazine Sgrîn for blind and partially-sighted people.

The Christmas and New Year edition of Sgrîn is the first to be available on CD. 175 copies will be distributed via the Talking Books network in Wales. It will also be possible to order a copy from the S4C Viewers' Hotline on 0870 600 4141, and listen to, or download articles online at s4c.co.uk/sgrin.

Iona Jones, S4C's Chief Executive said, "I'm delighted to announce that an audio version of Sgrîn is available for blind and partially sighted people as part of the channel's commitment to serving its audience equally.

"We already provide access services on S4C which include audio description, signing and subtitles. But we are always looking for ways to extend these services in order to be as accessible as possible."

Bryn Williams from the North Wales Society for the Blind, the producers of the CD, said, "This is the first time for us to work with S4C, and it's been a pleasure to be a part of this exciting project. This will be a valuable resource for those throughout Wales who already enjoy listening to the contents of the Talking Books, a project which began in Aberystwyth in the '70s and which is now operated throughout the UK."

The audio version of Sgrîn features all sorts of delights. There are interviews with actors Aled Pugh and Rhys ap Hywel, the stars of S4C's Christmas Day film, Ryan a Ronnie, as well as Ruth Jones, one of the stars and scriptwriters of Gavin and Stacey, who has co-written a new comedy drama for S4C called Ar y Tracs. There'll also be information about S4C's Christmas concerts, which include performances by Only Men Aloud!, Bryn Terfel and Rhydian Roberts, and seasonal advice from Russell Jones, one of the presenters of gardening and lifestyle series Byw yn yr Ardd.

The CD was produced by the North Wales Society for the Blind. Aled Glynne Davies was responsible for the script, which is voiced by Mari Emlyn, Lyn Davies and Elfed Dafis.