Since 1982, all Welsh language TV programmes, from whatever source, have been transmitted on S4C to create one comprehensive Welsh medium service. Prior to S4C's establishment, the limited number of Welsh programmes produced were scattered throughout BBC1 and ITV schedules.
Over the years, S4C has developed a distinctive role in the provision of public service broadcasting to a bilingual community. More recently, new technology, such as the advent of digital television in 1998, has enabled S4C to extend that role by establishing a diversity of services.
Sianel Pedwar Cymru (Channel Four Wales)
During the 1970s, the advent of a fourth channel was seen by many as an opportunity for a new beginning in public service broadcasting in Wales.
S4C was established by the 1980/81 Broadcasting Acts and first went on air at 6.00pm on Monday 1 November 1982.
S4C is a commissioning broadcaster, rather than a programme producer, creating jobs and boosting the local economy throughout Wales. All the services on offer are transmitted from S4C's Headquarters in Llanishen, Cardiff.
Analogue is the name of the system by which television services have traditionally been broadcast in the UK. The service S4C has broadcast on analogue since 1982 consists of an average of 32 hours a week in Welsh. Ten of these hours are provided from the licence fee by the BBC, thus complying with its obligations under the 1990 Broadcasting Act. The rest of S4C's Welsh language output is commissioned from independent producers, including local ITC franchise holder, HTV.
The schedule on S4C's analogue service is completed by Channel 4's English language programmes, over 70% of whose output is shown on S4C, usually rescheduled.
Launched on 15 November 1998, S4C Digital provides over 80 hours a week of Welsh language programming. The service does not carry any part of Channel 4's output.
All Welsh language output shown on analogue is also shown simultaneously on S4C Digital. The rest of the schedule comprises new programming, extended coverage of certain cultural and sporting events, alternative viewing opportunities and archive material.
S4C Digital is broadcast terrestrially from transmitters located in Wales (on the ITV Digital system). It's also available on cable in Wales, where available, and transmitted via satellite (on Sky Digital) throughout Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, thus, for the first time, making S4C accessible throughout the UK.
S4C has a statutory obligation to broadcast a majority of Welsh language output during peak viewing hours (1800 - 2200). The schedule provides a wide variety of popular TV - drama, entertainment, sports, music, news and current affairs, games and quizzes, youth and children's programming.
S4C Digital also provides regular extended coverage of the Arts, youth culture and current affairs.
S4C is funded by an annual fixed budget from the Treasury. In 2000, the sum received was 78.2 milllion. The S4C Authority is committed to spending 99% of all public funding on the programme service.
Since January 1 1993, the channel is also responsible for selling its own advertising air time and ploughs the net revenue back into the service.
The Welsh Fourth Channel Authority is an independent broadcasting authority, responsible for S4C's strategic policy. The Authority's Chair and members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, following an open procedure of application and interview that is accessible to all.
© 2010 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales