Figures released today reveal that the value of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales programmes
made for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's national networks rose again in 2003-04 to Β£16.04m.
Such has been Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales' success in securing network commissions, the
income has risen 85 per cent - from Β£8.68m - in just three years.
In the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales Annual Review 2003-04 - which presents a summary of
the Broadcasting Council for Wales' assessment of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales' performance
for the year - the council calls on network commissioners to offer more
opportunities for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales to build on its success.
Recent commissions include the forthcoming production of the new Doctor
Who by Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales - a series which is expected to raise Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Wales' income from the networks even further in 2004-05.
In his foreword to the 2003-04 Review, Professor Merfyn Jones,
the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's National Governor for Wales and Chairman of the Broadcasting
Council for Wales, describes Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales as playing "a crucial role" in
Welsh cultural life and applauds a year of "innovative thinking", "groundbreaking
work" and "pioneering" developments.
Among the other achievements highlighted by the council are:
Programming rooted in the community such as the Radio Wales Voices projects
in Rhyl and the Pill area of Newport, Radio Cymru's Lleisiau initiatives
in Blaenau Ffestiniog and South West Wales and the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ National Orchestra
for Wales' outreach projects including work with Indian musicians.
The council commended the way in which Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales now works with its
audiences, immersing programme makers in the community.
The continued strong performance of news coverage, especially Newyddion
on S4C and Wales Today on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ ONE Wales which attracted an average audience
of 305,000 - more than twice that of ITV1 Wales News.
Its average audience share of 35 per cent puts it in the top two performing
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ regional news programmes in the UK.
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales' share of viewing on S4C was 40 per cent - proportionately
greater than the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's contribution in terms of hours.
The council describes programmes such as Pobol y Cwm, Newyddion and
sports output as "cornerstones of the service".
The success of the digital television service Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ 2W and Radio Cymru
in drawing a younger audience.
Over 50 per cent of 2W's viewers were aged under 45, a much younger
profile than terrestrial television services in Wales.
The proportion of Radio Cymru listeners in the under 35 age group has
grown from 15% in 2001 to 20% in 2003.
The review says 2W "has developed into an important medium for broadcasting
landmark events in the cultural and sporting life of the nation."
Programming such as a week featuring the work of Dylan Thomas to mark
the 50th anniversary of the poet's death, enhanced sports provision
on Sport Extra, coverage of Brecon Jazz and Proms in the Park and extended
coverage of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Singer of the World in Cardiff, led to significant increases
in viewing figures, awareness and recognition of 2W.
Launching the review, Professor Jones said: "During my two years as
National Governor, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales' increasing success in gaining network
commissions, particularly in Factual programmes, Music, Arts and Drama,
has been notable.
"However, council felt that life in contemporary Wales and the
other parts of the British Isles outside London was not adequately reflected
in network television output.
"Council is therefore pleased that the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Governors have taken its
advice and made it an objective for the networks in the coming year
to commission more programmes depicting modern Wales.
"This objective is included in the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's national Annual Report,
published last week."
Menna Richards, Controller, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales, said: "Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales has had a very
successful year. Our services for audiences in Wales have expanded and
we've seen increased income coming here because of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales' success
in gaining network commissions.
"None of this would be possible without the tremendous creativity
and talent of our staff. I'd like to thank them very much for their
hard work and commitment".
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