MS, Trefnydd, Chief Whip and
Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport: Today, I am setting out
my plans to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications
Authority for Wales, to protect and strengthen local and national
public service media platforms in Wales. This fulfils our
commitment to publish plans and a timeline on this within the
first 100 days of government.
Recognising the work of the Expert Panel on
Broadcasting and the input of experts in the development of
its recommendations, I am adopting a phased approach to the
establishment of the Shadow Broadcasting and Communications
Authority for Wales. As a first step, as recommended by the
Expert Panel, I am establishing a Shadow Broadcasting and
Communications Authority Working Group.
The Working Group will provide advice to me on the intended
operation of the Shadow Broadcasting and Communication Authority
for Wales. This includes advice and recommendations on its
structure, status, remit, and research and engagement activity.
Work has begun to introduce internal mechanisms and resource to
support the Working Group's operation, and I have set aside
£45,000 from Creative Wales' budget in 2026-27 to fund activity
this financial year.
A recruitment campaign for members of the Working Group will be
launched in September. I expect this to conclude by the end of
the calendar year, with a view to the Working Group holding its
first meeting early in 2027. Terms of reference and member names
and biographies will be published on the Welsh Government
website.
I will be guided by the views of expert members on the Working
Group's work programme but expect to receive recommendations on
detailed plans for the establishment of the Shadow Broadcasting
and Communications Authority for Wales early in 2028.
I will make a formal statement in spring 2028 confirming the
arrangements I have agreed for a future Shadow Broadcasting and
Communications Authority for Wales, following receipt of this
advice.
I note the concerns expressed by some Members regarding the need
for a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales.
These plans have not been developed in isolation. They are based
on evidence that a UK-wide framework for broadcasting does not
cater to the realities of how a devolved UK operates. The Welsh
Government is not a lone voice. We have heard calls from
organisations such as the Institute of Welsh Affairs and through
the work of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional
Future of Wales that we need a strengthened voice for Wales on
broadcasting and communications matters. We are acting on the
recommendations of an expert panel.
Recent announcements only reinforce the need to use every lever
to protect and improve broadcasting and communications in Wales.
The UK Government Local Media Fund is the latest example of plans
agreed for and about us, where we have no role in how those plans
are shaped and implemented.
The phasing of the work will provide a considered approach, to
ensure the steps we take are based on robust evidence of need,
address gaps in the existing framework and are fit for the
future. This work will be guided by a commitment to ensuring our
plans add value, and result in positive change and better
outcomes for Wales. I am certain that any resource channelled
towards a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for
Wales will pay dividends.
These plans mark the first step in pressing for the devolution of
powers over broadcasting, to strengthen Wales' media and to give
Wales its voice in broadcasting and communications matters.
I will keep Members updated as this work progresses.
