Communities committee debate

A independent forum is needed to examine the creative industries in Wales, such as television companies, newspapers and other media sectors, according to a cross party group report.

Chair of the Task and Finish Group Ken Skates was leading a debate on the future of the media in Wales.

Ken Skates AM said that the group had heard evidence that the Welsh government was not involved with the creative industries in Wales.

The group recommended that the Welsh government establish an independent forum to advise on policy in relation to the media in Wales.

This recommendation has been rejected by the government, but it has accepted the recommedation to review the amount of political coverage provided by BBC Wales, particularly in the light of budget cuts in relevant departments.

It has also accepted the the recommedation to keep under review arrangements for funding S4C to ensure that the funding settlement is appropriate.

Mike Hedges expressed the need to continue with sufficient funding for the channel in order for "quality programmes" to be broadcast, such as the children's programme Cyw and coverage of Welsh Premier League Football.

In his response to the report, Heritage Minister Huw Lewis stressed that the role of the assembly and the Welsh government should "evolve and grow in terms of its relationship with the media".

However the minister raised concerns with regards to the newspaper industry.

He said: "Although we (Welsh government) have no direct responsibility for the newspaper industry in Wales, we are extremely concerned with the job losses."

Mr Lewis stressed that the media industry as a whole "is facing an uncertain future" however praised the new partnership with S4C and the BBC that "offered benefits to the people of Wales".

The minister also paid tribute to ITV Wales and emphasised the importance of a "strong independent voice" as a counterbalance against BBC Wales.

The motion was passed.