Listed here are the latest press releases issued by the S4C Press Department:
March, 2006

PROGRAMME POLICY STATEMENT 2006

By working closely with its partners, S4C, will continue to build on the successes of the Programmee Strategy during 2006, focusing on providing a service with landmark programming and an attractive, sustainable schedule the rest of the time.

The programme schedule is outlined in the 2006 Programme Policy Statement, which is published today (Thursday, 30 March), along with S4C’s 2005 Programme Policy Review, which shows a year-on-year increase of 11% in viewing figures during peak-viewing times.

Bryn Terfel’s performance in Der Fliegende Hollander, and the urban drama series filmed in Cardiff, Caerdydd, are among the landmarks broadcast thus far in 2006, while the popular drama series Con Passionate and the new documentary series about modern China are among the pending flagship broadcasts.

In tune with this Strategy, music will remain prominent in S4C’s schedule during the year, with Katherine Jenkins’ concert at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, the HSBC Brecon Jazz Festival and the 60th anniversary celebrations of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales among the highlights.

S4C will remember Aberfan 40 years after the disaster in a documentary narrated by actor Rhys Ifans, and in a unique project combining film and documentary, S4C will follow an S4C-commissionned production crew and cast as they recreate a lost 1930s’ film Y Chwarelwr (The Quarryman).

A season of programmes about the Welsh coastline is set for broadcast this summer and will include the new arts series Byd o Liw (A World of Colour), the history series Cymru a’r Môr (Wales and the Sea) and a new series with chef Dudley as he takes a culinary journey along the Welsh coastline. Live broadcasts from our festivals will include live afternoon broadcasts on S4C, as well as S4C digidol, for the first time from the Royal Welsh Show in Sioe Amaethyddol Frenhinol. A high definition strategy is in place and the Channel will substantially increase its provision on broadband and on its other interactive services.

In 2006, S4C will broadcast a new short animation by award-winning animator Joanna Quinn, along with two series of the popular show Y Briodas Fawr (The Big Wedding).

S4C is committed to broadcasting 140 hours of children’s programming during the year and Dwdl Am, Rygbi 100%, the new rugby magazine presented by Dwayne Peel and Sarra Elgan, and cookery show Stwffio are among the new attractions.

BBC Wales’ nightly drama series Pobol y Cwm remains at the heart of the schedule and to ensure that it is broadcast throughout the year, S4C will continue to budget for six weeks of broadcasting over the summer, as well as the Sunday evening omnibus broadcast.

The BBC will continue to provide S4C’s Newyddion news coverage and, in order to ensure plurality, S4C will receive its current affairs provision from more than one production source. The National Assembly of Wales’ main proceedings will be broadcast live on S4C2.

Autism Wales is S4C’s chosen charity for this year.

S4C’s Chair Elan Closs Stephens, whose S4C tenure ends tomorrow (Friday, 31 March), says, “As I hand over my responsibilities as S4C Chair to my successor, John Walter Jones, it is heartening to see the Channel building in such a positive way on the success of its Programme Strategy, a strategy which emphasises creative excellence and definitive programming.

"All the developments resulting from the Strategy have meant exciting changes in the way S4C operates and responds to the ever-changing challenging broadcasting environment, but as digital switchover comes ever nearer, I feel the Channel can face the new digital age on firm foundations, with confidence."

"I would like to thank Secretary of State Tessa Jowell for the opportunity to chair S4C during an exciting and challenging period of eight years. S4C’s current success is founded on the partnership between the S4C Authority, the staff and the producers and I would like to note, in particular, the contributions of the new Chief Executive Iona Jones and her predecessor Huw Jones. I know that Iona will build on the present success in this highly competitive multi-platform market."

For further information please contact Hannah Thomas, S4C Press Office on 029 20741451