20. Debate on the Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Report: 'Exploring the devolution of broadcasting: How can Wales get the media it needs?

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:04 pm on 24 March 2021.

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Photo of Bethan Sayed Bethan Sayed Plaid Cymru 6:04, 24 March 2021

I'm struggling really to know what to say about Gareth Bennett's contribution. We had lots of evidence sessions from people with particular interests in the media. We had people who were academics, people who work in the sector. This is not just a wish list from the Senedd committee. This is based on real evidence—hard graft, day in, day out. Trade unions have also asked us to look at this issue because they said that they want to talk about devolution of broadcasting but they find it difficult, with their bosses in London, to be able to raise these issues. There are real concerns around people having to go to London on trains and buses for interviews to take part in things like Casualty that are filmed here in Wales. You know, we need more news about our local economy, because local newspapers have closed over the years, and places like Port Talbot have been left poorer for it. We need more news so that people like you can be scrutinised in the decisions that you make, so that Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party hopefully doesn't win any MSs in the next Senedd term. So, that's why I say that our committee is important. You may think that it's nonsense, but I put a lot of damn hard work into this, so what I do is not nonsense and I would like for you to know that at the end of this Senedd term. Do not speak about people who have put lots of work into this as doing nonsense. I am proud of my work and the work of the other cross-party group Members on this committee, and more fool you for judging it in this way at the end of this term.