Written Statement: Plans to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales

Today, I am setting out my plans to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales, to protect and strengthen local and national public service media platforms in Wales. This fulfils our commitment to publish plans and a timeline on this within the first 100 days of government.

Recognising the work of the Expert Panel on Broadcasting and the input of experts in the development of its recommendations, I am adopting a phased approach to the establishment of the Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales. As a first step, as recommended by the Expert Panel, I am establishing a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority Working Group.

The Working Group will provide advice to me on the intended operation of the Shadow Broadcasting and Communication Authority for Wales. This includes advice and recommendations on its structure, status, remit, and research and engagement activity.

Work has begun to introduce internal mechanisms and resource to support the Working Group’s operation, and I have set aside £45,000 from Creative Wales’ budget in 2026-27 to fund activity this financial year. 

A recruitment campaign for members of the Working Group will be launched in September. I expect this to conclude by the end of the calendar year, with a view to the Working Group holding its first meeting early in 2027. Terms of reference and member names and biographies will be published on the Welsh Government website.

I will be guided by the views of expert members on the Working Group’s work programme but expect to receive recommendations on detailed plans for the establishment of the Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales early in 2028. 

I will make a formal statement in spring 2028 confirming the arrangements I have agreed for a future Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales, following receipt of this advice.

I note the concerns expressed by some Members regarding the need for a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales. These plans have not been developed in isolation. They are based on evidence that a UK-wide framework for broadcasting does not cater to the realities of how a devolved UK operates. The Welsh Government is not a lone voice. We have heard calls from organisations such as the Institute of Welsh Affairs and through the work of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales that we need a strengthened voice for Wales on broadcasting and communications matters. We are acting on the recommendations of an expert panel.

Recent announcements only reinforce the need to use every lever to protect and improve broadcasting and communications in Wales. The UK Government Local Media Fund is the latest example of plans agreed for and about us, where we have no role in how those plans are shaped and implemented.

The phasing of the work will provide a considered approach, to ensure the steps we take are based on robust evidence of need, address gaps in the existing framework and are fit for the future. This work will be guided by a commitment to ensuring our plans add value, and result in positive change and better outcomes for Wales. I am certain that any resource channelled towards a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales will pay dividends.

These plans mark the first step in pressing for the devolution of powers over broadcasting, to strengthen Wales’ media and to give Wales its voice in broadcasting and communications matters.

I will keep Members updated as this work progresses.