S4C, or 'Sianel Pedwar Cymru' is going through a very turbulent time at the moment. The responsibility for funding the channel is being passed over to the BBC, and the level of this funding is being slashed over the next few years. The BBC for their part have said they are happy to let the Welsh channel have editorial indipendence, though sceptics (e.g. Cymdeithas yr Iaith) don't trust these assurances. The responsibility for S4C somewhat suprisingly still lies with the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport in London, and not as you might expect with the Welsh Assembly Government in Cardiff. Jeremy Hunt made himself unpopular in Wales by announcing the new funding arrangements without even letting the S4C authorities aware of his plans. You can imagine that the Welsh language TV station doesn't rate high on his list of priorities.
All this has come on top of huge changes in the world of broadcasting, unexplained resignations and several PR disasters by the powers that be at S4C... difficult times.
That said, S4C is very important to the Welsh language. I've found it a valuable tool while learning, and though there aren't any programmes directly aimed at learners at the moment they do provide resources on the website.
Over the next couple of weeks there is a chance to tell the powers that be what we (and remember S4C is looking for viewers from outside Wales as well) want from a slimmed down S4C, and what you think of their services/programmes. It's important that we learners express our opinions as well, so go to the website and 'mynegwch eich barn'! in English or Welsh!!
mynegwch eich barn - express your opinion
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