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Protest to be held at BBC Cardiff HQ against changes to Radio Cymru schedule

27 Sep 2022 4 minute read
The protest in Aberystwyth. Picture by Anna Ap Robert

A protest is to be held at the BBC Wales HQ in Cardiff this Thursday against changes to the Radio Cymru schedules.

It follows protests in Aberystwyth and Crymych last weekend to voice unhappiness with the decision to get rid of programmes.

It was announced last month that Caryl Parry Jones will be the new presenter of Radio Cymru’s late slot, replacing Geraint Lloyd, culture programme Stiwdio and Geth a Ger.

Geraint Lloyd had presented the late slot for ten years and been at the station for a quarter of a century.

One of those who has organised the protests, Megan Jones Roberts, said that they were hoping to fill a bus from Aberystwyth and pick people up across the west of Wales.

“Thursday will be Geraint Lloyd’s last programme on the radio, so please come to show that the common people aren’t happy with what is happening,” she said.

“We can pick people up in Aberaeron, Llandysul and Carmarthen.”

A spokesperson for BBC Radio Cymru told S4C Newyddion last week that rural life “is already reflected on programmes such as Troi’r Tir, Bore Cothi, Ifan Evans, Galwad Cynnar and the daily Agricultural Bulletin”.

“We will continue to discuss issues that affect the countryside on our news programs as well as exploring every opportunity to expand this provision on a range of programs in the future,” they added.

“We are also consulting with representatives from the Young Farmers’ Clubs to discuss how we can produce content that reflects the movement to a worthy audience in the peak hours of the service and there are plans to continue broadcasting the highlights of the Eisteddfod of the Young Farmers in November as usual.”

Bookshops

Last month, in a joint letter to Dafydd Meredydd, Editor of BBC Radio Cymru, the owners and managers of 14 independent bookshops in Wales have called on him to reconsider the decision to get rid of the Stwidio programme.

“It is the greatest disappointment to learn that Radio Cymru wants to remove the only programme, Stiwdio, which is dedicated to discussing the arts in Wales,” they said.

“This is a program that is an integral part of Welsh culture, and as booksellers, we believe that by removing the programme, which includes Y Silff Lyfrau, you are removing an all-important discussion forum for authors, publishers, booksellers and Welsh readers.

“The program has also played an important role in the development of new writers, and nurturing and promoting their work.

“The program plays a very important role in discussing literary awards such as the Book of the Year, and the Tir na n-Og Awards, and we regret that the fashion decision has been made to remove them.

“When developing and expanding to reach new listeners, it is key to strike a balance and keep some offer that appeals to the traditional audience that has been loyal to Radio Cymru over the years.

“We ask you to reconsider your decision, and go ahead and continue, and further develop the artistic offering on Radio Cymru.”

‘Popular’

After hearing that his show had been cancelled, Geraint Lloyd said that he had not been in any further discussions with Radio Cymru about staying on.

“I’m still disappointed, after being with Radio Cymru for so long,” he said. “It’s not my choice.

“It’s up to them, unfortunately.”

He said that he did not know anything about the petition before coming across it while browsing Facebook.

“It’s very nice that people think so much of the programme,” he told Golwg360.  “It was a bit of a surprise!

“I was disappointed that the program was ending but it’s clear that people appreciate what I do.”


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