S4C is a broadcaster which receives programmes from two main sources, namely:
Since the channel's establishment, the relationship between S4C and the independent production sector in Wales has been close. A list of independent production companies can be obtained from S4C's Viewers' Hotline [see bottom of page].
In preparing programmes for S4C, companies often use outside technical resources from other facility houses. Many of the independent production companies are represented by TAC [Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru - Wales' Independent Television Producers] and S4C consults with TAC and the independent sector on matters relating to the television industry.
Biennially, S4C publishes its Programme Needs for the following two years and invites producers to offer individual programme ideas as well as series propositions for the period in question. The choice of commissions lies, ultimately, in the hands of a team of Commissioning Editors and Advisers, under the leadership of S4C's Director of Programmes. Proposals are considered, interviews held and budgets discussed in detail before decisions are finally taken. Although most of S4C's programmes are commissioned during this process, the Programme Department ensures that the schedule is flexible enough to accommodate any new ideas which might arise outside the commissioning period.
The BBC provides S4C with ten hours per week of Welsh language programming, as part of its own commitment under the 1996 Broadcasting Act. The BBC provides S4C's daily news service, Newyddion, and produces the most consistently popular programme on S4C, the soap opera, Pobol y Cwm.
All the English language output shown on S4C's analogue service consists of Channel 4 programmes. S4C is committed to showing the highest possible percentage of Channel 4's most popular programmes, whilst still reflecting that channel's diversity.
© 2008 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales