S4C UNVEILS ANNUAL REPORT 2001

AN Oscar nomination, numerous other awards, and a boost in children’s programming output, were among the highlights of the year, noted by Chair of S4C Elan Closs Stephens, in the broadcaster’s annual report for 2000.
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the annual report outlines how S4C met or exceeded their key performance indicators. The high percentage of Welsh language programme output actually produced in Wales 98.6 per cent contributes to the wider economic impact of S4C’s activities through investment in communities across Wales.
In her introduction to the report, Professor Stephens welcomed the endorsement given to the channel by the Government’s Communications White Paper published last December. A New Future for Communications recognised in particular the success of S4C’s regulatory model, and the channel’s commercial activities, which contributed £4.7m of revenue to S4C productions in 2000.
The achievements of S4C’s digital channels were also outlined in the report, with S4C Digidol’s extended coverage of major Welsh events such as the National Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show proving popular.
As the number of channels available to viewers increases, the main broadcasters, including S4C, have seen some reduction in their share of viewing. Even so, S4C's share of Welsh speakers’ viewing in West and South Wales increased, while there was a reduction in the North. There was a small reduction only in weekly reach. At a time of great change in viewing patterns, every broadcaster faces a new challenge.
The report also highlights S4C’s contribution to the Welsh broadcast industry in general. During 2000, £300,000 was invested in the industry’s training organisation ‘Cyfle’, while the channel awarded over 20 scholarships throughout the year.
Huw Jones, S4C’s Chief Executive, said: “S4C have a key role to play in the cultural and economic life of Wales. Sustaining creativity, in contemporary fashion, is all important if Welsh is to continue to be a lively and firmly-based medium of communication.”
(CD)