Welsh Government's complaint over S4C soap TB story
The Welsh Government is under fire for trying to stop the broadcast of a television programme that touched on the bovine TB controversy.
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Pobol y Cwm row: 'We take complaints very seriously', says BBC
– BBC Cymru Wales spokespersonWe take all complaints very seriously. We are aware of this complaint and are currently looking into it
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Pobol y Cwm row: Welsh Government 'should apologise' says farmers' union
The Farmers' Union of Wales is calling for the Welsh Government to apologise following its complaint over an episode of 'Pobol y Cwm'.
– Emyr Jones, President FUWThe programme made comments which were very derogatory for farmers but we have not received a single complaint because our members understand they were made by a character in a soap opera and should be taken in context because these are not real people.
For the Welsh Government to formally ask for censorship of a soap opera because it contains characters criticising them is not just an overreaction, but a major concern for anyone who believes in having a media free from political censorship by the ruling government or anyone else.
S4C: Pobol y Cwm episode reflected 'public debate' of bovine TB
– Dafydd Rhys, Director of Content, S4CS4C has now received a copy of the Welsh Government's complaint to the BBC regarding a storyline on last night’s Pobol y Cwm.
We are satisfied that the drama includes a variety of viewpoints which reflect the public debate about plans to eradicate Bovine TB.
Last night's episode will be repeated as planned this evening at 6.30pm on S4C, and is available to watch on demand on Clic.
Welsh Government: No 'right of reply' over Pobol y Cwm episode
A spokesperson for the Welsh Government confirms an official complaint has been made to the BBC and S4C following the repeat broadcast of an episode of 'Pobol y Cwm', which it believes included 'a serious breach of BBC and Ofcom guidelines'.
The episode concerned involved a storyline including a discussion about bovine TB, and the Welsh Government's decision to cancel a planned cull of badgers in March.
– Welsh Government spokespersonThe BBC's editorial guidelines are clear that programmes are expected to ensure that 'controversial subjects' are treated with due impartiality in all their output. We do not believe this to be the case in this instance.
The BBC's guidelines also state that organisations criticised in programming "should be given a "right of reply", that is, given a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations." In this case, the Welsh Government was not afforded a right of reply.
We have submitted a complaint to BBC Wales. It would be inappropriate to comment until we receive their response to our concerns.
S4C boss suggests English language soundtrack
S4C's Chief Executive Ian Jones has suggested the broadcaster may add an English language voiceover for some of its programmes that will be available via 'the red button.'
Ian Jones, who took over at the channel in April 2012, says it could help to broaden the reach of S4C.
– Ian Jones, S4C's Chief ExecutiveOur strapline at the moment is something for everybody and as a unique as the only Welsh language channel in the world.
We have to appeal to those who are fluent in the Welsh language, less fluent, learners, those that are inspired to learn. If the content is out there and we can afford to do so, why not put an English language soundtrack on the red button and make the content available to everybody.
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S4C boss suggests English soundtrack on 30th birthday
The broadcaster's Chief Executive insists it's still relevant, and will remain independent - but needs to broaden out to new platforms.
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