S4C funding secured say DCMS

Lettre ouverte publié le 3/12/10 7:52 dans Media et Internet par Cathal Ó Luain pour Cathal Ó Luain

The DCMS have responded to concerns expressed by the Celtic League about the continued funding of Welsh TV channel S4C (see below):

«Our Ref: 159992

Dear Rhisiart Tal-e-bot

Thank you for your email of 20 November to the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, about the future of S4C. I have been asked to reply on his behalf.

The Government fully recognises the iconic status of the channel and the contribution it makes to the cultural and economic life of Wales. As well as sustaining and promoting the Welsh language, I appreciate that S4C provides a focal point for the celebration of Welsh national events.

The Government is committed to Welsh Language programming and to the future of S4C as an independent entity. The Government wants to ensure that the channel offers the best possible Welsh Language Service to the audience and feels that the best way to secure its future while delivering a better service is through partnership with the BBC.

As part of the new television licence fee settlement, we have secured S4C's funding for four years. From 2013-14, the cost of funding S4C will be met from a combination of continued Exchequer funding, advertising revenue and the television licence fee.

The Government's key priority is the reduction of the public expenditure deficit and the cuts in S4C's funding levels are broadly proportionate to the cuts being made across Government departments and to other public bodies. Securing S4C's funding will enable the channel to structure itself for the modern broadcasting environment.

Yours faithfully

Jocelyn Betts, Media Desk Officer»