Comments on: The dragon’s mute allies

By: Theo Brueton

Theo Brueton — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:51:30 +0000

Oh dear – seems that the anticipated “reasoned debate” (EO, GO, above) isn’t happening, at least here.

Something that hasn’t been mentioned is the question of whether S4C have unfortunately shot themselves in the foot by providing wall-to wall childrens’ programmes during the day.

My understanding is that audience figures (RAJAR) do not count children. In many circumstances there won’t be an adult actually viewing a children’s programme – precisely because it allow carers opportunities to get on with necessary tasks (while keeping an eye on the child(ren)).

This substantially changes the interpretation of S4C’s daytime audience per programme figures.

By: chris jones

chris jones — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:44:44 +0000

..fair play,devolving broadcasting to Wales does make perfect sense,why isnt it allready devolved though? it seems bizarre that it isnt allready

By: Marcus Warner

Marcus Warner — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:42:29 +0000

Dare I say it, but I think IWJ and Plaid have stepped up to the plate on this one. I see no reason for S4C not to be devolved, and indeed I think if Plaid are in Government when it is, then it presents a challenge to how we can deliver on our core promises under pressure.

The linking of it to both strands of media is important though. Given the market failure in this area, we might have to be willing to look at cross pollination to a certain degree.

By: Duncan Higgitt

Duncan Higgitt — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:36:34 +0000

Perhaps we can carry this debate on over what the Deputy First Minister has announced this morning?

http://www.plaidcymru.org/content.php?nID=14;ID=1999;lID=1

By: Gwion Owain

Gwion Owain — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:51:07 +0000

Hello Euryn.

Many thanks for the response.

Although I see you have managed to evade the issue in hand deftly a reasoned debate in a week or two would be a vast improvement on what has gone on in the past few years. A sensible discussion a few years ago would i’m sure have avoided the current predicament that the production sector – and more importantly S4C – now faces.

You are right to say though that I am angry. I’m angry at the way that S4C have bullied individual and companies over the past few years. Angry at the arrogant manner in which those favoured by S4C have with much hubris accepted the largesse on offer and have failed despite the immensely priveliged positions they have enjoyed to realise any commercial success. I’m angry at the manner that competition of ideas has been suppressed in favour of a very small number of ‘not-fit-for-purpose’ companies.

I look forward to a reasoned debate.

Gwion.

By: Euryn Ogwen

Euryn Ogwen — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:40:54 +0000

Hello Gwion,
It may surprise you to know that not everyone reads your blogs when you write them – particularly on Sundays. I have to tell you that I don’t believe I can have a sensible discussion with hysterical and angry people using megaphones. When you calm down in a week or two perhaps we can discuss the issues as part of a reasoned debate.

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:56:24 +0000

Friends working at S4C told me say that “She has something of the night about her”.

By: Gwion Owain

Gwion Owain — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:34:18 +0000

where is Euryn Ogwen? I’ve challenged him to a debate on this matter and he seems to have shirked!

The simple reality is that the manner that S4C has pushed consolidation on this sector during the past five years was anti-competitive, possibly illegal, and has been a monumental failure. Has one of the chief architects of this policy now gone into hiding ?

By: Cardiffian

Cardiffian — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:06:27 +0000

OFCOM -what does it do in Wales? How much does it cost the taxpayer? Abolish it and pass the funding to S4C.

S4C is important to Wales. Let’s support it.

By: CA Jones

CA Jones — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:15:40 +0000

I too support S4C, but the events of the last week have left me..mute.

I want to know the true story behind Iona Jones’s departure.

Until S4C starts to show some respect for its viewers & supporters, I’m going to remain mute.