Barcud Collapse Points To Welsh TV Crisis

BECTU, the independent trade union for the media industry, has expressed its dismay at news that a Caernarfon based OB facilities company, has gone into administration.
The company, Barcud Derwen, formed in 1982, had been a key presence in the Welsh production sector and was pivotal in the development of independent programme production in the principality.
The fallout from the loss of Barcud Derwen will not be limited to those immediately affected, it will impact on the entire production sector in Wales.
Furthermore, the loss of the studio in Caernarfon is seen by the union as yet another hammer blow for television production in North Wales.
Commenting on the development, David Donovan, National Official, said: "Firstly, I want to praise the loyal staff for their dedication over the years and not least over the last couple of weeks when they continued to work professionally despite the knowledge that they may not see full payment for their work.
"We regret the loss of employment and the possibility that many freelances owed money will struggle to get paid. The fallout from the loss of Barcud Derwen will not be limited to those immediately affected, it will impact on the entire production sector in Wales.
"BECTU will do its utmost for all its members directly impacted by the company's closure; we also want to examine the poor managerial decisions and other factors which have brought us to this point.
"The industry in Wales faces a significant structural problem with a small number of large companies dominating the sector and undermining the mixed ecology necessary for a healthy public service sector."
(BMcN/GK)