MS, Minister for Culture,
Skills and Social Partnership: I am updating members on next
steps following the Welsh Government's response to the
broadcasting expert panel's report, ‘A new future for
broadcasting and communications in Wales'. The Welsh
Government thanks the panel once again for its work producing the
report.
The panel's central finding is that action is needed to protect
public service broadcasting and to improve the overall media
environment in Wales. This view is as relevant today is it was
when the report was published, and the Welsh Government remains
committed to ensuring Wales has a stronger voice and is not left
behind as the sector continues to evolve.
However, developments over the past twelve months have required
us to reconsider how best to deliver our ambitions for
broadcasting in Wales. Not least a changing political landscape
and the need to focus limited budgets on direct support for the
sectors we are seeking to protect. In the context of these
changing circumstances, we have explored a range of options to
identify where levers already exist to gather advice and guidance
on broadcasting and communications matters.
I have concluded, to maximise resources and avoid duplication,
the advisory function of a Broadcasting and Communications
Advisory Body should instead be delivered through existing
channels between Creative Wales and broadcasting and media
stakeholders. We will seek to strengthen these networks and
identify specific opportunities to bring stakeholders together on
individual issues, building on recent examples such as the joint
Creative Wales and Ofcom event to discuss Ofcom's review of
Public Service Media. We will capitalise on more
positive relationships with the UK Government to pursue a
strengthened framework for broadcasting and a greater voice for
Wales.
Recognising that accurate and trusted news across all channels is
critical to ensuring a strong media landscape, I have asked the
Wales Public Interest Journalism Working Group to continue its
work. The Working Group will move forward with a refreshed Terms
of Reference, following the publication of its recommendation
report ‘Of and For Wales: Towards a Sustainable Future for
Public Interest Journalism'. I note the recommendations in
the report and thank the Working Group for its ongoing commitment
to supporting a strong media sector in Wales. The Welsh
Government remains committed to working with the sector and
through the Working Group to take forward these recommendations
where possible, in the context of ongoing financial challenges.
To support this, I have set aside £350,000 within Creative Wales'
budget to support journalism in 2025-26.
To make progress on the devolution of broadcasting and
communications powers, we will commission work to draw together
technical advice on the five pathways to devolution as identified
by the expert panel in its report. This work will also keep the
case for the establishment of a Broadcasting and Communications
Authority for Wales in the future under
review.
I am confident this new approach strikes the appropriate balance
between maximising use of budgets, our existing levers and
targeted activity to support a strengthened broadcasting and
communications framework for Wales.
