22 March 2022
S4C will return to channel 104 in High Definition on Freeview from 28 March 2022.
Viewers will be able to enjoy S4C in High Definition from 7.00 pm throughout the week and from 2.00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
S4C's High Definition service ended in 2012 following cuts to the channel's budget. But following the new January 2022 financial settlement for the period 2022-2028 and the ready co-operation of the BBC and Channel 4 the channel returns to the most popular platform among S4C viewers and in HD.
"We know that our viewers have been calling for a High Definition service on Freeview for some time," said Siân Doyle, S4C's Chief Executive. "Demand has been particularly strong among sports fans, so I am pleased that the vast majority of our sport will now be available on 104."
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: "S4C is a much-loved part of Welsh culture. I'm delighted that UK Government is supporting the channel with £88 million a year so that it continues to broadcast to hundreds of thousands of people in the Welsh language."
"This includes a new commitment of £7.5 million a year from UK Government for S4C's digital development to assist in its mission to reach a wider audience across a range of platforms.'
S4C has been available in High Definition on Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media and recently S4C Clic but the vast majority of viewing for S4C is on Freeview.
Siân Doyle said: "I am delighted that S4C is returning to in High Definition on channel 104 on Freeview and grateful to the BBC and Channel 4 for their help in achieving this. It is vital that we are able to offer the best service possible to our viewers. The 104 HD channel will provide S4C with a stable home on Freeview and ensure that we are now on HD across all platforms."
Rhuanedd Richards, Director of Content and Services for BBC Cymru Wales said: "This is brilliant news for viewers in Wales and I'm so pleased that the BBC is able to provide the capacity for S4C to broadcast in HD during the peak hours. It's proof of the cooperation and strong partnership between both broadcasters but more than anything it's great news for S4C's viewers across Wales."
