News

MPs launch new inquiry into the future of public service broadcasting in Wales

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2022

THE WELSH AFFAIRS COMMITTEE has today launched a new inquiry looking at Broadcasting in Wales.

Television remains the most-used news source for people in Wales. 74% of adults across Wales use television for their news, followed by websites/apps and radio. In 2020, broadcast television viewing in Wales bucked a long-term trend of decline and increased for the first time since 2012.

The fast pace of change affecting the sector, with the growing prevalence of streaming services in living rooms, offers both opportunities and challenges to traditional broadcasters. The transition is likely to be leading to broadcasters to examine how their audiences are consuming content and how they can keep up with these trends, while still ensuring continued investment for high quality broadcast output. This has a challenging backdrop in Wales: television channels that offer audiences both English and Welsh language content, such as BBC Cymru Wales, ITV Cymru Wales and S4C, have been experiencing funding cuts in recent years. Among other issues, the Committee will be exploring is whether current funding models for public service broadcasting in Wales are dynamic enough in an ever-evolving sector.

Change is already happening with free-to-air sporting rights. S4C – with ITV in England and STV in Scotland – recently struck a deal with Sky Sports to broadcast the World Cup play-off final between Wales and Ukraine last month. However, S4C is facing a longer term challenge with Amazon Prime securing the rights to the rugby Autumn Internationals and retaining the Welsh language commentary resulting in it behind a pay wall. The Committee will be examining what steps need to be taken by the UK Government, sporting bodies and broadcasters to ensure the survival of free-to-air broadcasting.

This inquiry launch follows the recent evidence session held with S4C, where the Committee heard of the important role smart TVs should have to make the channel visible and easily accessible to audiences. The challenge of recruitment was also highlighted alongside calls for investment in training to ensure the future of independent creative companies.

Welsh Affairs Committee Chair, Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, said: “Public service broadcasters in Wales are facing a period of enormous change as more and more viewers choose to stream content through online platforms. Despite pressures on funding and investment, broadcasters continue to deliver high quality and original output in Wales.

“As a Committee, we are keen to identify what can be done to secure the future of public service broadcasting in Wales. Among other issues, we are exploring whether the model for public service broadcasting in Wales is sustainable, and how we can ensure the survival of free-to-air content.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.