4. 4. Statement: The Big Picture, an Initial Look at Broadcasting in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:05 pm on 15 February 2017.

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Photo of Bethan Sayed Bethan Sayed Plaid Cymru 3:05, 15 February 2017

(Translated)

Thank you, Dai, for those very kind words. I didn’t pay Dai Lloyd to say those things, I can assure you. We have been scrutinising ITV, the BBC and others on a regular basis, as part of this inquiry, but as a committee that has ‘communication’ in its title, I think it’s important for us to set the political agenda to ensure that those in the media field are accountable to us and that they feel under pressure that this committee is going to have an opinion on what they do, and that we’re going to be vigilant of what they do. I certainly know that those in the sector are watching what we’re doing as a committee, and that they’re taking what we do seriously. I don’t think that ITV Cymru Wales would’ve responded so strongly if they didn’t take us seriously as a committee. So, I think that’s important. In terms of the BBC, there’s a memorandum of understanding between the Assembly and the BBC, and so there is a requirement that there is a consistent relationship between us and them, so that they can continue in the future. So, I would certainly want them to come in again to give us evidence.

With regard to S4C and devolution, well, as part of the inquiry, you’ll know, Dai Lloyd, that S4C is going to include a question with regard to that inquiry and whether we should look at the devolution of S4C specifically in that context. We haven’t yet gone so far as to discuss devolution in its wider context, but even though we don’t have the powers over devolution here in Wales, it’s important for us to show that we are a nation and that we can lead this agenda, whether we have the powers in this place or not at present.