Minister says Wales faces ‘democratic deficit’ over broadcasting

Ella Groves, ICNN Senedd Reporter

Wales’ culture minister fielded questions on Plaid Cymru plans to press for the devolution of broadcasting in the Senedd’s first committee scrutiny session after the summer break.

Heledd Fychan said public sector broadcasters faced “huge challenges” over financial cuts and emphasised the importance of a strong media to support democracy.

In written evidence to the Culture, Communications, Cymraeg and Sport Committee, held on Monday September 14, the Welsh Government reiterated plans to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales.

Welsh ministers have previously argued the new body would represent “a first step” toward devolving power over broadcasting. The UK Government, as well as Senedd Members from Reform UK and the Conservatives, are opposed to such a move, which was an election manifesto pledge from Plaid.

In its evidence, the Welsh Government said there was a “genuine gap” in the current system.

However, Reform’s shadow minister for culture, Louise Emery, pressed Ms Fychan to define what this meant.

Ms Emery also highlighted the financial challenges posed by the potential devolution of broadcasting to Wales, such as the revenue gap between what is brought in by the licence fee in Wales and the actual cost to run BBC Wales.

In response, Pontypridd, Cynon Merthyr MS Ms Fychan, who is also Trefnydd and chief whip, said the establishment of a Shadow Broadcasting Authority and the devolution of broadcasting to Wales are separate issues, noting the Shadow Broadcasting Authority would be able to investigate issues such as financing public sector broadcasting.

However, the shadow minister and Ms Fychan remained at odds over the necessity of the devolution of broadcasting to Wales.

Ms Emery told the committee she did not “understand what the problem is with media in Wales”, describing the current media landscape as “pretty robust”.

Ms Fychan responded: “It’s really looking at how we address what’s currently not working, a democratic deficit, to ensure Wales is adequately represented, that we have a voice when it comes to decisions about broadcasting in Wales.

“In terms of S4C, for instance, the channel itself and its importance in terms of the Welsh language cannot be overstated, in terms of the content for children and young people.

“So what is trying to be addressed here is a system that’s not working currently and I would hope that the committee would want to support that.”

‘A fragile and vulnerable sector’

In her opening statement to the committee, describing the state of the cultural sector in Wales, Ms Fychan said: “Years of underinvestment have made their mark on the workforce and in terms of the state of many of our historic and arts buildings and sporting facilities too.

“And although progressive and excellent work is being done in these sectors, which do gain international repute, this can sometimes hide how fragile and vulnerable this sector is and that’s why I am prioritising creating a long term strategy in order to ensure that there is a plan in place to put that right.”

In response to fellow Plaid Cymru MS Rebecca Phillips, of Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, Ms Fychan highlighted the importance of a whole-government approach to culture – such as the role of public transport in enabling public access to culture.

She also emphasised the importance of looking to smaller, local museums and archives to allow access closer to home, as well as promoting discounted entry schemes to some Cadw sites.

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