Value of BBC Wales programmes up 85% in three years

The value of BBC Wales programmes made for national networks rose again in 2003-2004 to £16.04m.
Such has been BBC Wales' success in securing network commissions that income has risen 85% - from £8.68m - in just three years.
In the BBC Wales Annual Review 2003-2004, which presents a summary of the Broadcasting Council for Wales' assessment of BBC Wales' performance for the year, the council calls on network commissioners to offer more opportunities for BBC Wales to build on its success.
Recent commissions include the forthcoming production of the new ‘Doctor Who’ by BBC Wales, a series that is expected to raise BBC Wales' income from the networks even further in 2004-2005.
In his foreword to the review, Professor Merfyn Jones, the BBC's National Governor for Wales and Chairman of the Broadcasting Council for Wales, describes BBC Wales as playing "a crucial role" in Welsh cultural life and applauds a year of "innovative thinking", "groundbreaking work" and "pioneering" developments.
Launching the review, Professor Jones said: "During my two years as National Governor, BBC Wales' increasing success in gaining network commissions, particularly in factual programmes, music, arts and drama, has been notable.
"However, council felt that life in contemporary Wales and the other parts of the British Isles outside London was not adequately reflected in network television output.
"The Council is therefore pleased that the BBC Governors have taken its advice and made it an objective for the networks in the coming year to commission more programmes depicting modern Wales."
Menna Richards, Controller, BBC Wales, said: "BBC Wales has had a very successful year. Our services for audiences in Wales have expanded and we've seen increased income coming here because of BBC Wales' success in gaining network commissions.
"None of this would be possible without the tremendous creativity and talent of our staff. I'd like to thank them very much for their hard work and commitment."
(GB)