S4C were glad to welcome the Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb to the channel's building at the Royal Welsh Showground today (Thursday 23 July, 2015).
During the Secretary of State's visit, he had the opportunity to find out about the channel's highlights in the coming months. Among them are S4C's live coverage of the Rugby World Cup, Cwpan Rygbi'r Byd 2015, and the long-awaited new series of hit detective drama Y Gwyll/Hinterland.
The Secretary of State showed great interest in S4C's broadcasts from the Royal Welsh Show and was given a guided tour of the broadcasting compound with Boom Pictures Cymru who produces the coverage for S4C.
It was an opportunity for S4C to express how much the channel values its relationship with The Royal Welsh Society. The Royal Welsh Show is one of the most popular events of the S4C schedule, and this year the channel will broadcast almost 100 hours of content, on TV and online.
This includes almost 70 hours of live online streams which are available to watch internationally; with uninterrupted live coverage of the main ring and sheep shearing competitions, in addition to the channel's main daily live coverage.
The annual show is one element of S4C's broadcasting schedule which reflects agriculture and rural life in Wales, with series such as Ffermio, Cefn Gwlad and Fferm Ffactor prominent in the schedule.
Huw Jones, S4C Authority Chairman, was glad of the opportunity to discuss with the Secretary of State; "With discussions about S4C's financial future about to begin, today was an opportunity to showcase S4C's bustling activity at the Show and on the screen. This event is a prime example of the key services that the channel provides, and is appreciated by viewers in Wales and across the world.
"The Show's officers regularly emphasise the key role that S4C's extensive coverage plays in the growth and success of the event itself. The task for us now is to ensure sufficient funding in order to maintain S4C's services in the coming years, bearing in mind the substantial cuts we've already received, and we greatly appreciate the Secretary of State's enthusiasm for our work."
