S4C

Written evidence submitted by NUJ Parliamentary Group

The NUJ Parliamentary Group has been established since 2005 and consists of 32 MP’s and Peers on a cross-party basis, and is one of the most respected trade union groups in Parliament with regular meetings with Government Ministers.

The Parliamentary Group is seriously concerned by the government’s plans to cut funding to S4C which we believe could put in jeopardy the future of the channel or at the very least lead to a greatly reduced service. The Group opposes the cuts to the funding of S4C as we believe S4C is a major element in Welsh broadcasting and cultural life.

We understand that the formal scrapping of the funding mechanism for S4C has already led to the loss of 25% of jobs and hundreds of jobs are likely to be lost in the production sector in Wales if significant cuts are imposed on S4C. In addition to this we believe that the current plans have the potential to lead to greater alienation, particularly of more rural communities, deepening an already worrying democratic deficit.

The Group is of the opinion that if public service broadcasting is to remain relevant, it must closely address the needs of the communities, regions and nations it serves, providing an autonomous cultural voice. As such the NUJ Parliamentary Group is opposed to the cuts to S4C.

We would be grateful if you would agree to meet with a delegation of MPs and trade union representatives from the NUJ to discuss the issues involved . Please liaise with our parliamentary co-ordinator, Simeon Andrews (details below) who will make whatever arrangements are necessary for such a meeting.

November 2010