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First UK broadcasting devolution study gets go ahead

28 Apr 2025 3 minute read
Professor Jamie Medhurst, Aberystwyth University

The first four-nations study of broadcasting policy in a devolved UK is set to begin following the awarding of a major research grant to a Welsh expert.

Leading the study, Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University will work alongside Dr Phil Ramsey from Ulster University, Dr Inge Sorensen from the University of Glasgow, and Dr Tom Chivers from Goldsmiths, University of London.

Many policy areas, such as health and education, are the responsibility of the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

However, the legislative and ministerial powers for broadcasting remain in Westminster; held by the Secretary of State for the UK-wide Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Pressure

There is growing pressure from political parties in the devolved nations for broadcasting powers to be devolved – most recently in the Plaid Cymru and Scottish National Party manifestos for the 2024 General Election.

Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies has been awarded a £79,600 Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Curiosity Grant to conduct the research.

Professor Medhurst said: “The concept of the UK – as a unitary state, made up of four nations – is coming increasingly under pressure, and the issue of how broadcasting both reacts to and shapes these debates is a growing issue on policy, political and academic horizons.

“This two-year project will provide a unique and novel forum for discussion, knowledge exchange and cooperation on current and future broadcasting policy in an evolving UK, with a focus on the devolution of broadcasting powers to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.”

Dr Patrick Finney, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Aberystwyth University said: “This research will make an important and timely contribution by helping to inform future debate and decision-making; benefitting policymakers, researchers, stakeholders and wider public understanding at a critical moment in the future of UK public service broadcasting.”

Issues

The research team will hold a workshop in each of the nations, bringing together academics, policymakers, politicians, and broadcasters to consider how broadcasting might operate in a more devolved United Kingdom.

Following each workshop, a briefing paper will be produced, drawing together the main issues discussed, together with policy recommendations.

In April 2027, a UK-wide conference will be held, where the final project report will be published.

The report will reflect on the findings of the project and will provide a strong evidence base for decision making and policymaking going forward.


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Jeff
Jeff
14 days ago

Going to be interesting.
For a devolved power to control this absolutely will need to see the breakdown of how a Welsh control is funded and integrated. What cross over and effects on a wider national BBC for example. That is to say licence fee split or what model replaces it.

Mawkernewek
Mawkernewek
14 days ago
Reply to  Jeff

Just to be clear, does ‘national’ for you mean the UK?

Hal
Hal
14 days ago

Presumably this allows for separate Eurovision entries.

Garycymru
Garycymru
14 days ago
Reply to  Hal

That would be an amazing outcome. It’s grossly unfair that Welsh and Scottish entries are tied in with the UK

Gerallt Llewelyn Rhys.
Gerallt Llewelyn Rhys.
14 days ago
Reply to  Garycymru

Totally agree it is the same for car registration. We should have our own system.

Hal
Hal
14 days ago

It would make more sense to have one car registration system for Europe.

Gerallt Llewelyn Rhys.
Gerallt Llewelyn Rhys.
14 days ago
Reply to  Hal

Based in Morriston?

Hal
Hal
14 days ago

Good idea.

Gerallt Llewelyn Rhys.
Gerallt Llewelyn Rhys.
14 days ago
Reply to  Hal

How many languages would be needed in addition to Cymraeg?

Hal
Hal
14 days ago

The centralised computer system could be run from here delivering incredible value for money to 500m people with small in-country teams to do the bits AI and automatic translation systems cannot. It would be a huge coup for the Welsh economy, it’s a great proposal.

Dyfrug Caradog-Rhydderch
Dyfrug Caradog-Rhydderch
14 days ago
Reply to  Hal

The best idea for boosting the Welsh economy I have ever heard of. You must be a genius, I can see you have thought about every possible detail.

Hal
Hal
14 days ago

Obviously the odds of DVLA winning the gig to run a vehicle registration service for the whole of Europe has been diminished by those who voted against such opportunities in 2016. I’m surprised you didn’t point that out.

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