S4C
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Introducing S4C

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Background

S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru - Channel Four Wales) started broadcasting at 18:00 on Monday 1 November 1982. To begin with, 22 hours of Welsh language programmes were broadcast every week, alongside English programmes from the Channel 4 service. Today, S4C is a wholly Welsh language channel broadcasting over 115 hours of programmes each week. It commissions independent producers from across Wales to make the majority of its programmes. ITV Cymru Wales is also commissioned to produce programmes. BBC Cymru Wales provides around 10 hours of programming per week for S4C, including the news and daily soap Pobol y Cwm, funded out of the licence fee. S4C's main offices are in Canolfan S4C Yr Egin, Carmarthen; there are also S4C offices in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, and in Central Square, Cardiff.

More information

Why was S4C established?

Before 1982, a limited number of Welsh language programmes were broadcast on BBC 1 and ITV. During the 1970s, the UK government decided a fourth television channel would be established alongside BBC 1, BBC 2 and ITV. This proposed fourth channel was seen by many as an opportunity for a new beginning in public service broadcasting in Wales. Following intensive campaigning, S4C was established by the 1980/1981 Broadcasting Acts.

Who funds S4C?

Since April 2013, 90% of S4C's income comes from the licence fee in agreement between the S4C Authority and BBC Trust. This has been agreed until 2022. Around 8% comes from the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) until 2018. S4C also has some powers to generate its own commercial income, for example, through advertising sales, providing around 2% of the channel's funding.

To whom is S4C accountable?

The S4C Unitary Board is an independent broadcasting authority, responsible for S4C's strategic policy. The Chair and members of the Unitary Board are appointed by the UK government's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, following an open application process.

What kind of programmes are broadcast on S4C?

S4C broadcasts a variety of programmes such as sport, drama, music, factual, news, entertainment and events, across a range of platforms, including online. S4C offers comprehensive services for children: Cyw for younger viewers, Stwnsh for older children and programmes for teenagers.

How can I watch S4C?

Click here for more information.

  • How to watch S4C

    How to watch S4C

    What TV channel is S4C available on? Is S4C available online? Which devices can I use to watch S4C? All the answers on one page.

Further information

For more details, please contact S4C's information service, the Viewers' Hotline.

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