BBC’s director-general Tim Davie’s warning over media future

Published

2 years ago

November 21, 2023

THE CURRENT global media landscape poses a “profound” threat to democracy, the BBC’s top boss has warned.

MSs on the Senedd’s culture committee took evidence from the BBC and ITV about public service broadcasting in Wales.

Blaenau Gwent MS Alun Davies highlighted a lack of media coverage of devolved politics, suggesting it is damaging Wales’ democracy.

The Labour backbencher raised concerns that the BBC is becoming increasingly London-centric, both structurally and culturally.

Responding, Tim Davie – the BBC’s director-general – described the threat to democracy as profound as he recognised the need for transformation.

“I’m pretty obsessed by it, this threat to democracy,” said the media executive.

Mr Davies told MSs the BBC is becoming less focused on London, not more, arguing that the evidence for this is overwhelming but stressing that the broadcaster is not complacent.

He said: “I couldn’t be more personally proud of what we are doing in this area.”

Mr Davie also raised concerns about research showing many people are disengaged.

He said: “I think we have really got to work hard on relevance as much as some of the stuff we’ve done for years. I think that is a real challenge.”

The director-general told MSs that the BBC can use artificial intelligence and data for good, citing the example of serving up content based on location.

“That could transform, I think, the relevance of the BBC in a wonderful way,” he said.

Mr Gruffydd asked why radio listening in Wales has declined more than the UK average.

Ms Richards explained that Wales started from a higher level: “The good news is that this year we are seeing the beginnings of that recovery.”

Acknowledging competition from streaming and digital music providers, she said investment into network radio in Wales has doubled.

Elan Closs Stephens, who was appointed acting chair of the BBC in June, pointed to a trend of people being less likely to listen to talk radio.

Pointing to competition from Spotify, Dame Elan said: “That’s the choice of the individual – there’s not much anyone can do to bring them back.”

Peter Fox, for the Conservatives, asked why the BBC spent less in Wales in 2022-23 compared with what was raised from Welsh licence fee payers.

Ms Richards said it was an unusual year and the gap of about £2 million was due to Covid.

She pointed out that the licence fee also pays for S4C and told MSs that 95 per cent of commissioning money in Wales is spent with Welsh companies.

Ms Richards raised concerns about the tough financial climate with a flat licence fee amid hyperinflation in drama and other parts of the production industry.

She told committee members she does not want to see a separate BBC Wales channel similar to BBC Scotland, preferring to invest in Welsh content instead.

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

7 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.