Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 2:46 pm on 6 March 2019.

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Photo of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Independent 2:46, 6 March 2019

(Translated)

Well, no, because I think it's very important in this area that we look not only at broadcasting but at all the digital communications media. What's important for me is that the Welsh language and the English language in Wales appear on as many mediums as possible, and that includes social media and through the screens that people so regularly use. We shouldn't only be looking at broadcasting. Trying to regulate broadcasting on a stand-alone basis and separately from any other methods of communications and other kinds of audio-visual culture—. That would be a mistake, in my view, because, if you're talking about closing the stable door after the horse has bolted, then—. Trying to devolve broadcasting alone would be a mistake, in my view.

But, of course, culture policy does have to include an understanding of communications. I have an overview of broadcasting, although broadcasting, as it isn't devolved, doesn't relate directly to our department, but we do have regular and useful debates with the Welsh broadcasters. What I would encourage is that you, and other Members, discuss these issues at every possible opportunity with the broadcasters and with the organisations that I named in my first answer, who are responsible for expressing a consultative view to the authorities—in this case, Ofcom—and, likewise, there are similar arrangements in broadcasting and in television so that the audience and the views of the audience are reflected by you as elected Members to the bodies responsible for broadcasting.

I don't think we make sufficient use of the devolved structures of accountability that we have, and we should certainly take every opportunity to do that in order to have a formal and informal discussion on these issues. Assembly committees—as the culture committee has done recently, in its work on radio and in other areas—have a particular role to play in that regard. Thank you.