Today (Monday 17 September 2018) S4C publishes the action plan that has been produced in response to the recommendations of the Independent Review into S4C by Euryn Ogwen Williams and which has now been approved by Margot James MP, Minister of State in the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The plan shows how S4C has already started the work of implementing Reviews recommendations.
Areas where progress has already been made include:
• Allocating specific budgets for implementation in accordance with the new terms of reference.
• Arrangements for moving from an authority and management team structure to a unitary board model.
• A new commercial strategy which brings the S4C commercial activities under the control of the new unitary board.
• Preparations for the creation of a "digital hub" at the new S4C headquarters in Yr Egin, Carmarthen.
The Chairman of S4C said Huw Jones: "The work that has been done over recent months shows that S4C has energetically taken on the challenge set out in the Review. We have made progress in a number of areas, have agreed on implementation plans in other areas and have noted where some issues, such as the need to ensure appropriate prominence for S4C on future digital platforms, require further attention.
The Minister for Digital Margot James MP said: "I want to see S4C thrive and embrace the opportunities of the digital age and am pleased at the progress made since the Review. The plans laid out today will ensure S4C continues to develop and deliver a valuable service to Welsh-speaking audiences in Wales, the UK and abroad."
Welcoming the publication of the action plan the Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns MP said: "I'm very pleased to see S4C responding positively to the Euryn Ogwen review. S4C undeniably makes an enormous contribution towards the creative industries in Wales and, crucially, to promoting the Welsh language and our culture around the world. The funding certainty provided to the channel by the UK Government until 2020 will enable it to deliver the much-needed reforms set out in the review, and build an outstanding future for Welsh content on television and on-line."
Huw Jones thanked Euryn Ogwen Williams again for his work, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for their co-operation, the Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns and Margot James the Minister of State for their support and to all that presented evidence to the review.
