22 July 2015

   S4C has thanked rural communities for their continued support to Welsh language channel, in a week when Wales' biggest agricultural event has taken centre stage on the channel.

As he greeted representative from unions, societies and rural groups at The Royal Welsh Showground, on Wednesday morning 22 July, S4C's Director of Content, Dafydd Rhys took the opportunity to pay thanks, and to emphasise the importance of rural programming in the channel's schedule.

The comprehensive broadcast from the Royal Welsh Show is one of the most popular events of the year on S4C. In the period during and surrounding the event, S4C broadcasts almost 100 hours of TV and online content; this included 70 hour online, with live feeds from the main ring and the shearing shed, offering bonus content alongside the channel's daily live output.

And S4C is drawing the world's attention to the Royal Welsh Show, with the live online streams available to watch internationally. There is also an option to watch with English language commentary.

Dafydd Rhys, S4C Director of Content says; "The Royal Welsh Show is an important week of broadcasting on S4C, with all the excitement of this amazing event showcased on our channel every day and across the world online.

"During a crucial time for S4C, with its financial future coming up for debate, we appreciate the support of the rural communities more than ever. Without their help, the level of Welsh rural output seen regularly on S4C wouldn't be possible. I hope we can continue to work closely with them for many years to come."

As well as the Royal Welsh Show, S4C is also proud to broadcast annually from the Winter Fair and the Spring Festival. Whilst these are annual highlights, S4C programmes turn our focus to agriculture on a weekly basis.

Every Monday night at 8.25pm, Ffermio reports on the topics which matter to the agricultural industry. Another series, Cefn Gwlad is one of the longest running programmes on S4C which reflects the lives of people in farming and rural communities.

In a recent episode, presenter Dai Jones visited The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's Chief Executive Steve Hughson and Assistant Chief Executive Aled Jones. This programme is available to watch online on demand on s4c.cymru – or download the new S4C app for iPhone and Android.

In the autumn we can look forward to the return of popular competition series Fferm Ffactor, which this year sees teams and families competing for the prize.

With regular programmes reflecting agriculture in Wales and comprehensive coverage of events such as The Royal Welsh Show, rural life plays a key role in the S4C annual schedule, and the channel's commitment to reflecting this way of life is as strong as ever.

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