S4C is to provide English-language commentary on selected sporting fixtures to supplement its main Welsh-language broadcasts where rights allow, the channel has announced.
The new service will be available via the red button on selected platforms. The main television soundtrack will continue to be in Welsh.
The service will be financed from S4C’s commercial fund, and not from the public fund which pays for Welsh-language content.
All S4C’s domestic football and rugby coverage will carry English commentary on selected platforms:
• Football – live and highlights coverage of The Principality Welsh Premier League and Welsh Cup as well as highlights of Wales’ home international matches.
• Rugby Union - live games in the Magners League, Swalec Cup and live games from the Principality Premiership.
• Rugby League - matches featuring Celtic Crusaders games.
Where rights allow, the new service will be available on S4C’s on-line sports broadcasts, at s4c.co.uk.
Iona Jones, S4C Chief Executive, said, “S4C is a Welsh-language broadcaster with a remit to provide high quality programmes in the Welsh language. However, the new service will enhance the appeal and accessibility of S4C to the many non-Welsh speakers who watch the channel, particularly our extensive sports output.”
A tender to provide the new service will be published on S4C’s website, s4c.co.uk.
