Broadcasting in Wales

Part of 5. Questions to the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 2:45 pm on 1 July 2020.

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Photo of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Independent 2:45, 1 July 2020

That question warms my heart, because in the dim and distant past, I was a director of one of these community stations, called Champion FM, in the north, and it was a very successful radio station, which is still operating. I have followed, with some concern, what has happened in terms of the ownership and control of some of our smaller stations. And I can see that there is a very strong argument for us ensuring that there is always support, which can be directed at arm's length to community radio. And I'm very happy to take another look at this and see if there's more direct support that we can give. But it has to be, in my view, at arm's length. It shouldn't be Welsh Government investing in radio stations, even if we had the money to do it.