US judge rules information about the President’s businesses is relevant to his claim that a Panorama documentary damaged his reputation

DONALD TRUMP has been ordered to provide detailed financial information about his business interests as part of his $10bn legal action against the BBC.

US Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett ruled during a discovery hearing in Miami that the financial performance of Trump’s businesses remained relevant to the case as it is currently pleaded.

The ruling means lawyers representing the BBC can continue seeking records relating to businesses held through the Trump family trust. The documents will be disclosed as part of the court proceedings and will not necessarily become publicly available.

Trump launched the case in December 2025 over the way his speech on January 6, 2021, was edited for the Panorama documentary Trump: A Second Chance?, which was broadcast shortly before the 2024 US presidential election.

The programme combined remarks delivered at different points in the speech, including Trump telling supporters they would walk to the Capitol and a later statement in which he said they should “fight like hell”.

The BBC subsequently apologised, accepting that the edit had unintentionally made the separate extracts appear to form one continuous passage and had created the mistaken impression that Trump made a direct call for violent action.

However, the corporation has rejected Trump’s allegation that the programme was defamatory and has said it will defend the proceedings.

Trump’s original complaint claimed the broadcast had caused substantial damage to his personal reputation, commercial standing and businesses. His lawyers are now seeking to amend the case so that it focuses on reputational harm rather than direct financial losses.

Judge Lett ruled that until the complaint is formally changed, the business-related allegations remain part of the case and the BBC is entitled to seek financial evidence.

The broadcaster is expected to argue that Trump’s business success and increasing wealth since the documentary was shown are inconsistent with his claim that the programme caused serious commercial damage.

Trump’s legal team is expected to challenge the disclosure decision before the district judge overseeing the case.

The BBC is also seeking to have the wider action dismissed. It argues that the Florida court does not have jurisdiction because the Panorama programme was produced and broadcast in Britain and was not distributed in Florida.

Trump recently withdrew his claims against two BBC Studios subsidiaries but is continuing his action against the British Broadcasting Corporation itself.

The lawsuit seeks $5bn for alleged defamation and a further $5bn under Florida’s law covering deceptive and unfair trade practices.

A provisional two-week trial has been scheduled to begin in Miami on February 15, 2027, although the case could still be dismissed or substantially changed before it reaches a jury.

New vertical drama Signal will follow a romance between a Cardiff teenager and a girl from rural Wales

S4C has commissioned a new 60-episode drama created specifically for TikTok, with filming beginning at the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells this week.

The Welsh-language series, titled Signal, will be released through S4C’s Hansh social media channel and will tell the story of a developing relationship between a boy from Cardiff and a girl from rural Wales.

Produced by Mojo Productions, the drama will be filmed vertically to fit mobile phone screens, with each short episode lasting just a few minutes.

The format has grown rapidly in popularity internationally, with tightly scripted episodes designed to be watched and shared on platforms such as TikTok.

The commission follows the success of S4C’s first vertical drama, Yr Alwad, which was also produced by Mojo Productions.

The series received nominations in the Best Vertical Series category at the National Film Awards and the Best Short-Form Scripted category at the Broadcast Digital Awards.

S4C said the new production would also be used to develop emerging Welsh writing and acting talent.

Four writers will work on the series, including Brynach Higginson, Mari Izzard, Rhiannon Williams and Yr Alwad writer and director Alexander Williams.

The writing team will be led by Gwenno Hughes, whose previous credits include Hafiach and Fflam.

A number of new performers have also been selected following an open casting call.

Gwenan Lloyd, Gabriel Owen and Joshua Romain will play Elliw, Alffi and Tom respectively.

Siriol Ousey, known for Hafiach, will appear as Angie, while Lili Mai Davies, who has appeared in Y Coridor and Bregus, will play Catrin.

Guto Rhun, S4C’s Young Audiences Commissioner, said the broadcaster needed to adapt as viewing habits continued to change.

He said: “As viewing habits continue to evolve, we have to be bold, especially in creating content for younger audiences.

“I am delighted to see S4C working with production companies to experiment with exciting content which entertains our audiences and meets them where they watch.”

S4C Chief Content Officer Llion Iwan said vertical drama formed part of the broadcaster’s move towards becoming a digital-first service.

He said: “Vertical dramas are a popular international format which reflects S4C’s vision of transforming into a digital-first broadcaster.

“We are very proud of the success of Yr Alwad and are looking forward to seeing content that builds on that success.

“Bold content that travels is key to expanding our audience.”

Filming for Signal is due to begin at the Royal Welsh Showground during this week’s Royal Welsh Show.

More than 300 Welsh businesses, 2,500 products and over 100 new product launches are being showcased as producers seek new buyers and markets.

Wales’ food and drink industry is taking centre stage at this year’s Royal Welsh Show, with hundreds of businesses using the event to secure new customers, launch products and explore opportunities for growth.

More than 60 companies are exhibiting in the show’s Food Hall, while the Food & Drink Wales Trade Business Lounge is representing over 300 Welsh businesses and around 2,500 products.

Organisers say more than 100 new products are being launched during the week, making the show one of the largest showcases of Welsh food and drink in the UK.

The programme brings together producers, retailers, wholesalers, hospitality businesses, public sector buyers and industry experts.

Last year, activity within the Business Lounge generated more than £3 million in confirmed sales. More than 300 trade buyers have registered to attend this year, including representatives from major retailers, foodservice operators and independent businesses.

Llyr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, said the show provided an opportunity to celebrate the quality and diversity of Welsh produce while helping businesses build valuable commercial relationships.

He said: “The Royal Welsh Show provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the exceptional quality, innovation and diversity of Welsh food and drink.

“Bringing together producers, buyers, industry experts and support organisations, it showcases the strength of a sector that makes a significant contribution to communities and economies across Wales and supports thousands of jobs throughout the food supply chain.”

The minister said activity at the Food Hall, Business Lounge and International Pavilion demonstrated the Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting an ambitious and growing industry.

He added: “The activity also reflects our ambitions for Wales’ National Food Strategy, which will help strengthen local production, local processing and local procurement, creating a more resilient and sustainable food system for future generations.”

Businesses exhibiting in the Food Hall represent sectors ranging from dairy, meat and bakery products to alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and preserves.

Among them is Welsh Lady Preserves, whose managing director Carol Jones said the event allowed producers to meet customers and buyers while promoting Welsh products to a wider audience.

She said: “The Royal Welsh Show is a fantastic platform for Welsh food and drink businesses.

“It gives us an opportunity to showcase our products, meet customers and connect with buyers, while championing the very best of Welsh food and drink.”

This year’s displays also highlight companies working on carbon-reduction plans, achieving B Corp certification and taking part in Blas Cymru, also known as Taste Wales.

New attractions include a Fresh and Welsh food-to-go display, a Design Your Own Canapé tasting experience and an exhibition highlighting Welsh products with protected Geographical Indication status.

The International Pavilion is hosting meetings, launches and industry events throughout the week.

These include the launch of the Dairy Sheep Wales Cluster, presentations for local authority caterers and NHS procurement officers, and activities aimed at encouraging young people to pursue careers in the food and drink industry.

Welsh Government support programmes are also being promoted at the show, covering innovation, technical development, exports, sustainability, skills and business collaboration.

Figures from the latest annual report for the government-backed HELIX programme show that it generated an estimated economic impact of more than £103 million during 2025–26.

The programme supported 159 companies and helped businesses develop more than 300 new food and drink products during the year.

With thousands of products on display and buyers attending from across the UK and overseas, industry leaders hope the Royal Welsh Show will provide a platform for further investment, sales and expansion across the Welsh food and drink sector.

This could also take a stronger business headline, such as: “Royal Welsh Show puts 2,500 Welsh food and drink products before buyers”.