S4C calls for more funding after posting annual figures

The Welsh national broadcaster S4C may be forced to cut output if their call for more government funding is not met following a less than buoyant annual report.
According to the report, which was released on Tuesday, debts and running costs at S4C are up but without a corresponding rise in income – which is down marginally on 2000.
Overall the corporation, which is almost entirely funded by government revealed an operating loss of £2,610,000, in spite of a funding rise from the department of culture to £80 million – up on the £78 million funding last year.
The channel has indicated that it will press government for further funding to ensure the continued output of its digital operation. S4C Digital was launched on 15 November 1998, and currently provides over 80 hours a week of Welsh language programming. The rest of the schedule comprises new programming, extended coverage of certain cultural and sporting events, alternative viewing opportunities and archive material. The S4C funding appeal amounts to an index-linked rate at 2% above inflation.
Programme output for the year was slightly up on 2000 with an increase of 838 hours to 11,052 hours, however, programming commissioned in Welsh fell from 2,812 hours in 2000 to 2,072 hours this year. Also, English language programming was up by nearly 200 hours to 4,713.
The annual report also reveals that the Welsh-speaking viewers in the north of the country slipped by 1.5% to 11%, whilst the south showed an even greater fall of 4% - translating into an average of 711,000 viewers per week.
The news will be met with dismay in some quarters as many will feel that the broadcaster is not fully fulfilling its cultural remit.
However, S4C chief executive Huw Jones underlined the public service broadcasting duty of S4C and its value as a cultural preserve.
He said: "S4C's contribution to the life of Wales and to the cultural diversity of the UK and Europe is unique. While there are now more than 200 English channels to choose from there is still only one in Welsh.
"The importance of that channel is greater than ever. We will continue to work with our partners and suppliers to ensure S4C's success is carried forward as the digital age becomes an everyday reality for the majority of television viewers."
S4C, www.s4c.co.uk
(GMcG)