Community

Ofcom revokes station’s licence

Published

9 years ago

June 18, 2015

Radio Beca: Ofcom revoke licence

THE WELSH speaking communities of north Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion were dealt a blow this week as media regulator Ofcom revoked a community licence given to a new radio station.

Radio Beca aimed to provide the Welsh speaking communities of west Wales with a service that was both linguistically and culturally specific to their needs and aspirations.

Peak time broadcasting, both workdays and weekends, was to be predominantly Welsh medium so that the indigenous culture of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire was made prevalent.

The station was committed to the principle of ‘empowering the Welsh speaking communities of the west of Wales and transform the latent energy of the 155,000 disenfranchised Welsh speakers of the west of Wales into a positive energy that would raise communal ambition and enhance self-sustainability.’

The station also planned to train local people of all ‘social, cultural, linguistic and educational backgrounds’ in the art of radio broadcasting, which would have provided numerous people with an enhanced skill set and vastly increased prospects of employability.

The station was awarded a community radio licence in May 2012, but failed to launch within the two year window stated by the regulator, after delaying its proposed launch in April 2014.

Elinor Williams from Ofcom told S4C’s Newyddion 9 that two further extensions had been granted since this date, and based on this it had decided to withdraw its license.

The station failed to obtain Welsh government grant funding and there was also uncertainty about a permanent home being found for it, whilst there was also concern Radio Beca had only managed to raise £20,000 when it was required to raise £320,000. This is in spite of the fact that the station has recently submitted a bid for £100,000 in grant funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

Director of the station Euros Lewis was disappointed with the regulators decision and said it had taken three years for the station to be able to “stand on its own to feet”.

Mr Lewis said: “Unfortunately, it’s only during the past few months that Radio Beca has been able to raise money through sponsorship and adverts.

“What’s disappointing is that it’s only now that we have been able to put forward a prospectus that shows that Radio Beca can stand on its own two feet.”

Despite the disappointment it is worth noting that this is not necessarily the end for the fledgling station, as there is opportunity to re-apply for a licence in the future, should they put in place the necessary arrangements.

Community

Cardigan tops Wales’ slow broadband list as digital divide deepens

Published

54 mins ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN’S BROADBAND WOES
THE B4570 in Ponthirwaun, Cardigan, has been revealed as Wales’ slowest street for broadband, with residents struggling with average speeds of just 2.28Mb. This cripplingly slow connection contrasts sharply with the fastest street in Wales, Chamberlain Row in Dinas Powys, where speeds soar to 735.81Mb — an astonishing 323 times faster.

DAILY FRUSTRATIONS FOR RESIDENTS
For those living in Cardigan’s B4570, everyday online activities become daunting tasks. Downloading a high-definition film takes nearly six hours — a glaring reminder of the growing digital divide across Wales.

WINNERS AND LOSERS IN WALES’ BROADBAND RACE
The findings, published by Broadband Genie, highlight the stark disparity in connection speeds across the country. While some streets, like Chamberlain Row and Llanasa Road in Gronant, enjoy lightning-fast speeds, others, including Cardigan’s B4570, lag far behind.

UNUSED SUPERFAST POTENTIAL
Ironically, many of the slowest areas in Wales, including Cardigan’s B4570, have access to superfast broadband, capable of delivering speeds over 30Mb. Some even have full-fibre connections capable of reaching 1Gb. The low uptake raises questions about whether residents are aware of these options or find them affordable.

A CALL FOR ACTION
Broadband Genie’s strategist Alex Tofts urged residents to take action: “No one should have to endure such slow speeds, especially as providers continue to increase prices. If your broadband underperforms, contact your provider and ensure you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for.”

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Cardigan’s broadband struggles reflect broader issues facing rural Wales. While full-fibre broadband is available to 72% of premises, many rural areas are slow to adopt it. Bridging this digital divide is vital to ensure all communities have the connectivity they need to thrive in today’s digital age.

Community

Have your say to help shape positive change for older people

Published

1 hour ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

OLDER people across Wales are being encouraged to make their voices heard through a new consultation launched by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. The initiative, titled ‘Have Your Say’, aims to gather insights from older individuals and organisations to inform the Commissioner’s strategy and work plan for delivering meaningful change.

Speaking about the consultation, Commissioner Rhian Bowen-Davies said:
“I want Wales to lead the way in empowering older people, tackling inequality, and enabling everyone to live and age well. As Commissioner, it’s crucial that my work is guided by the voices and experiences of older people.”

The consultation invites older people from diverse backgrounds and communities to share their concerns, challenges, and ideas. It also welcomes positive examples of initiatives that are working well and could be replicated across Wales to improve the lives of older people.

Focus on key issues

The consultation focuses on four key areas critical to quality of life:

Access to services and support
Feeling safe
Fair treatment
Voice, choice, and control

Older people, their families, and organisations supporting them can share their views by completing a short questionnaire. The survey is available both online at www.olderpeople.wales/haveyoursay and in paper format, distributed through organisations across Wales. Paper copies can be returned via freepost.

For those preferring a personal touch, the Commissioner’s team is available to discuss experiences by phone at 03442 640 670.

A call for collaboration

The Commissioner is also reaching out to groups and organisations working with older people to identify pressing issues and priorities.

“Any information shared will be invaluable as I develop my strategy and work plan,” Bowen-Davies added. “It will help my team take action to transform policy and practice, delivering positive change in key areas that matter most to older people.”

The consultation is open until 28 February 2025, giving participants ample time to contribute.

By participating in the ‘Have Your Say’ consultation, older people and those supporting them have a unique opportunity to influence the future and ensure Wales becomes a leader in creating an inclusive, age-friendly society.

Community

Young athletes give back to Milford Community

Published

1 hour ago

December 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD ATHLETIC’S under-11 football team traded their boots for litter pickers on Saturday (Dec 2) to give back to the community that has supported them throughout the year.

Despite the wet and windy weather, the young footballers took to the streets of Milford Haven for a litter-picking event, cleaning up the town and setting a great example for their peers. In addition to the cleanup, the team delivered a food hamper to the residents of Canterbury House, a care home on Priory Road, as part of their Christmas giving initiative.

Team coach Liam Duffield said: “We didn’t have a game this weekend, so we decided to do something worthwhile for the community. The kids had fun while doing something meaningful, and we hope it brightened someone’s day.”

The initiative highlights the team’s values of teamwork and community spirit, demonstrating that sports go beyond the field. The boys were thrilled to be involved in an activity that gave back to the town that has shown them unwavering support.

The team invites local businesses and individuals to reach out if they would like assistance or to partner with them in future community projects. For more information, you can contact Liam Duffield at 07971 979 546.