Part of 3. 3. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 2:47 pm on 5 July 2017.
Thank you for that response, Cabinet Secretary. After all, it’s extremely sad that ‘Y Cymro’, the only national newspaper available in the Welsh language, is facing such uncertainty and has had to close—hopefully temporarily—last Thursday. It’s encouraging that there’s a group of people, Cyfeillion Y Cymro, who are interested in its purchase, but, of course, there’s no assurance that the paper will continue for the future. The loss of the newspaper forever would be a huge loss, particularly given the important role that the paper has played over the years. ‘Y Cymro’ has been central in reflecting and reporting our history and the development of our culture and language for many years.
Now, naturally, I am aware that things change in terms of newspapers. Newspapers are declining and the world is becoming digital and multiplatform, but safeguarding journalism through the medium of Welsh is still crucially important. After all, the Government funds the ‘papurau bro’. Our ‘papurau bro’ receive public funds and are extremely prosperous. That’s a success story. So, in addition to what you’ve already suggested in terms of the Welsh Books Council, could I ask the Cabinet Secretary whether he would be willing to get to grips with this issue personally and perhaps meet with the people who are seeking a solution to keep ‘Y Cymro’ going in the long term? Thank you.