Written Statement: Update on Broadcasting and Media

I am updating members on next steps following the Welsh Government’s response to the broadcasting expert panel’s report, ‘A new future for broadcasting and communications in Wales’. The Welsh Government thanks the panel once again for its work producing the report. 

The panel’s central finding is that action is needed to protect public service broadcasting and to improve the overall media environment in Wales. This view is as relevant today is it was when the report was published, and the Welsh Government remains committed to ensuring Wales has a stronger voice and is not left behind as the sector continues to evolve.

However, developments over the past twelve months have required us to reconsider how best to deliver our ambitions for broadcasting in Wales. Not least a changing political landscape and the need to focus limited budgets on direct support for the sectors we are seeking to protect. In the context of these changing circumstances, we have explored a range of options to identify where levers already exist to gather advice and guidance on broadcasting and communications matters.

I have concluded, to maximise resources and avoid duplication, the advisory function of a Broadcasting and Communications Advisory Body should instead be delivered through existing channels between Creative Wales and broadcasting and media stakeholders. We will seek to strengthen these networks and identify specific opportunities to bring stakeholders together on individual issues, building on recent examples such as the joint Creative Wales and Ofcom event to discuss Ofcom’s review of Public Service Media. We will capitalise on more positive relationships with the UK Government to pursue a strengthened framework for broadcasting and a greater voice for Wales.

Recognising that accurate and trusted news across all channels is critical to ensuring a strong media landscape, I have asked the Wales Public Interest Journalism Working Group to continue its work. The Working Group will move forward with a refreshed Terms of Reference, following the publication of its recommendation report ‘Of and For Wales: Towards a Sustainable Future for Public Interest Journalism’. I note the recommendations in the report and thank the Working Group for its ongoing commitment to supporting a strong media sector in Wales. The Welsh Government remains committed to working with the sector and through the Working Group to take forward these recommendations where possible, in the context of ongoing financial challenges. To support this, I have set aside £350,000 within Creative Wales’ budget to support journalism in 2025-26. 

To make progress on the devolution of broadcasting and communications powers, we will commission work to draw together technical advice on the five pathways to devolution as identified by the expert panel in its report. This work will also keep the case for the establishment of a Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales in the future under review. 

I am confident this new approach strikes the appropriate balance between maximising use of budgets, our existing levers and targeted activity to support a strengthened broadcasting and communications framework for Wales.