Wales 'invisible' on network TV

By Vaughan Roderick
Welsh affairs editor

Calls are being made for more coverage of Wales on network television

Welsh Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones has called on the BBC and other broadcasters to increase the amount of network television produced in Wales.

The comments are in response to a report from the Welsh assembly's broadcasting committee.

The minister said Wales was "an invisible nation" on British television.

He echoes a BBC review which is looking into how Wales is covered by network programmes following concerns.

Mr Jones's statement will increase the pressure on broadcasters to increase network production in Wales.

Mr Jones demanded that Channel Four as well as the BBC should commit to spending at least 5% of their network budgets in Wales.

While praising series like Doctor Who and Torchwood he said that they needed to be part of much wider production base.

Mr Jones also backed a committee recommendation that consideration should be given to a separate ITV licence for Wales.

However, the assembly government has rejected suggestions that the assembly should appoint the chair of S4C and the BBC's Welsh trustee, as well as calls for S4C to develop more English-language provision.