A NEW chapter in local journalism is set to begin as Herald prepares to launch a dedicated podcast and video interview series, building on more than a decade of reporting across west Wales.

The project, which is expected to begin recording within weeks, will see a wide range of guests brought into a fully equipped studio to discuss the issues shaping Pembrokeshire and beyond. From politics and community campaigns to business, crime and personal stories, the aim is to give a platform to voices that matter locally.

The move marks a significant step in the evolution of Herald, which has grown from a traditional print publication into a digital-first news platform reaching millions of readers online each week.

Editor Tom Sinclair said the idea had been years in the making, even if it had not been fully realised until now.

“We’ve actually had the equipment for a long time,” he said. “It was originally purchased as part of a large production setup, but at the time the audience and the technology just weren’t there in the way they are today.

“Now everything has changed. People watch video, they engage with clips, and they want to hear directly from the people involved in the stories.”

The Herald understands that the studio has been assembled using professional-grade equipment originally sourced from a public sector production facility, alongside cameras, lighting and audio systems built up over many years.

The result is a broadcast-style environment capable of producing multi-camera interviews, discussions and recorded segments suitable for both long-form viewing and short clips for social media.

Sinclair said the focus would be on straightforward, honest conversations rather than heavily produced content.

“This isn’t about slick presentation or trying to be something we’re not,” he said. “It’s about asking the right questions and letting people speak. That’s what we’ve always done in print, and this is just the next step.”

Initial plans include a series of structured interviews with local figures, alongside topical discussions reflecting the biggest stories of the week. With the Senedd elections approaching, the new format is also expected to provide a platform for candidates and campaigners to set out their positions directly to voters.

Interest in the project has already begun to build, with members of the public, campaigners and political figures contacting the Herald to take part. The Herald understands that a number of early guests are being lined up, with recording expected to begin shortly once final technical preparations are complete.

The introduction of podcasts will also open up new opportunities for local businesses, with episode-level sponsorship packages being explored as a way to support production costs while promoting local services.

Sinclair added that the project would remain rooted in the community.

“We’ve spent 13 years building an audience and earning trust,” he said. “This is about using that platform in a new way — not replacing what we do, but adding to it.”

While the format is new, the goal remains the same: to inform, to question, and to reflect the voices of Pembrokeshire.

Readers, businesses and potential guests interested in taking part in the podcast series can contact the Herald via email at [email protected].

Wood N Waves festival to feature competitions, live music and free entry

A NEW surf and skate festival will kick off the summer season in Pembrokeshire this May as Rwts Rooms and Resto hosts its “Wood N Waves” weekend in Broad Haven.

Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, the event promises a mix of sport, music and community spirit, with organisers building on the strong response to last year’s concept launch.

The weekend will include surf and skate competitions, lessons for beginners, and open riding, alongside a dedicated skate ramp set up for the event.

Live music and food will also be on offer, creating what organisers describe as a “start of season party” for locals and visitors alike.

Importantly, entry to the event will be free, with organisers keen to make the weekend accessible to everyone.

A spokesperson for Rwts Rooms and Resto said they were “stoked” to officially launch Wood N Waves after the positive feedback received last year.

They added that further details, including schedules and competition information, will be announced soon.

The event is expected to draw crowds to Broad Haven as Pembrokeshire’s coastal communities prepare for the busy summer season.

Students urged to seek work overseas despite millions spent on training

NEWLY qualified paramedics in Wales are being advised to apply for jobs overseas after a recruitment freeze left graduates with no roles in the Welsh NHS.

The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust has confirmed it will not be hiring newly qualified paramedics this year, citing financial and operational pressures.

The development, first reported by BBC Wales, has sparked anger among students and political figures, with some branding the situation “short-sighted” and a waste of public money.

Students left in limbo

Final-year paramedic students say they have been encouraged to look for work in countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Around 70 students are expected to graduate this summer from courses at Swansea University and Wrexham University, having completed degree-level training heavily subsidised by Healthcare Education and Improvement Wales.

Some students have undertaken placements more than 100 miles from home, expecting to move into frontline NHS roles after graduation.

Traditionally, graduates would enter the service as Newly Qualified Paramedics on Band 5 salaries, progressing to Band 6 after a period of mentorship.

However, opportunities have been shrinking. In 2025, only around a third of graduates secured paramedic posts, with others offered lower-paid technician roles instead.

‘Deeply disappointing’ decision

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said the organisation was facing a “difficult financial and operational landscape”.

They added: “Regrettably, as things stand, we are not in a position to employ newly qualified paramedics this year.”

Graduates are now being encouraged to consider roles as emergency medical technicians or to seek work elsewhere in the UK—or abroad.

Despite bursary conditions that would normally tie students to Wales, HEIW has confirmed the current cohort are now free to pursue employment outside the country.

Political backlash grows

The decision has prompted sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.

Jane Dodds described the situation as “a staggering waste of both talent and taxpayers’ money”, warning it made little sense while ambulance response times remain under pressure.

Plaid Cymru figures estimate that training costs of up to £150,000 per student could mean nearly £10 million of public investment failing to benefit Welsh patients.

Welsh Conservatives said the situation reflected a failure of workforce planning, while Welsh Labour insisted it remained committed to ensuring the NHS has the staff it needs.

Government response

A Welsh Government spokesperson said ministers were working closely with the ambulance service, HEIW and universities to address the issue and support affected graduates.

But for many students, the immediate reality is stark—after years of training for frontline roles in Wales, their careers may now begin thousands of miles away.