27 February 2018

- Guto Harri, the journalist and public relations consultant, will present a series of interviews that will offer in-depth insight into the biggest topics in Welsh and UK politics.

S4C has today announced a new commission of programmes by ITV Wales which will enhance the provision of political programmes in the Welsh language.

Initially, the new series with Guto Harri will be broadcast in June 2018, and will consist of six in-depth interviews with key players in Westminster and Cardiff Bay.

The new agreement with ITV Wales also includes training for young journalists. The scheme will give journalists the opportunity to hone their skills by creating short-form political content for S4C's online platform Hansh.

The changes are part of plans to renew the channel's political coverage. The new commissions by ITV Wales are in addition to the series provided by their current affairs team; Y Byd ar Bedwar and Ein Byd.

The new series will run alongside the BBC Wales produced news bulletins and flagship news programme Newyddion 9, and the Pawb a'i Farn discussion series.

Amanda Rees, S4C Director of Content says; "Our goal is to put political programmes at the forefront of the schedule, and to present politics and social issues in a way that will provide food for thought and spark a debate - both in the press and among viewers. We have commissioned a series with Guto Harri, an experienced journalist who will not shy away from asking the difficult questions, taking full advantage of his experience in journalism and within the political sphere. And the popularity of the Hansh platform allows us to fuel debate among younger viewers, with emphasis on amplifying the powerful voices of our young people.

"As the only Welsh language public service television broadcaster, S4C has a responsibility to ensure duality of voice and plurality, and by continuing to work with BBC Wales' and ITV Wales' experienced news and current affairs teams, we aim to create a space to voice a difference of opinion, and a starting point for a wider debate."

Geraint Evans, ITV Editor of Welsh Language Programmes says; "We welcome the challenge of producing a series of political programmes that will appeal to everyone. Decisions in Westminster and Cardiff Bay affect us all, and it is important that television introduces politics in a way which is relevant to the audience at home. Creating popular television is part of the ITV identity, and the voice of the people will be an essential part of the new service, and with Guto Harri in charge, the new series will certainly challenge big names of the political world.

"We know from experience that many young people consume news and current affairs on digital platforms, and so it is vital that we, in partnership with S4C, provide a suitable service which scrutinises the political world; produced by young people for young people."

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