http://www.s4c.co.uk/producers/ news items and the latest information from S4C for programme producers 24-Aug-2010 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 1 daily /production/rm/news_view/newsid/623/language/eng/ <p>As you know, S4C has commissioned a report by the company DTZ to measure the impact of the channel's expenditure on the economy in Wales. </p> <p>The information from the companies is important to this study. Companies funded by S4C for the period 2007 to the present have received a questionnaire. If you have been informed about the study but have not yet completed the questionnaire then please could you to do so by 31 August 2010. We are very grateful for your cooperation. </p> <p>If you have any queries relating to this study, please contact Huw Jones in the S4C Research Department on 02920 741334 or <a href"mailto:huw.jones.ymchwil@s4c.co.uk">huw.jones.ymchwil@s4c.co.uk</a> </p> 24-Aug-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/622/language/eng/ <p>The S4C Authority has commissioned Sir Jon Shortridge, former Permanent Secretary to the Welsh Assembly Government, to undertake a review of its corporate governance arrangements. </p> <p>The review is expected to be completed in 6 weeks with the aim of building on current good practice while also reflecting current developments in governance in a modern public body. The new arrangements will replace a system of corporate governance known as 'Arwahanrwydd' (Separation) put in place by the Authority in 2006. </p> <p>The review is part of a wider appraisal by the Authority of S4C's activities. </p> <p>The S4C Authority is an independent body, established by statute, which is responsible for the provision of Welsh language television programme services. The Authority is accountable for S4C's output and the proper management of S4C. The Authority does not participate in any day-to-day decision-making. It is the responsibility of S4C's Chief Executive, officers and staff to run S4C on a day-to-day basis, including the provision of S4C's television services. </p> <p>Sir Jon Shortridge was the top civil servant in Wales for nearly 10 years. He became Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Office in March 1999 and of the National Assembly on its creation in May 1999. In May 2007 he became Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Assembly Government. He retired in May 2008, but returned to Whitehall briefly as interim permanent secretary of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (and subsequently the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) in the summer of 2009. </p> <p>He is now Chair of Community Service Volunteers, a member of the UK Statistics Authority, Chair of the Audit Committee of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and of the Audit Panel of Cardiff County Council and a Council member of Cardiff University. He was knighted in 2002. </p> <p>Ends </p> 19-Aug-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/620/language/eng/ <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/cyfle_short_courses_autumn2010.pdf">Download a list of courses</a> (PDF). </p> <p><a href="http://www.cyfle.co.uk/news/2045">Cyfle website</a></p> 18-Aug-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/619/language/eng/ <p>Dear colleagues </p> <p>I would like to invite you to a day of discussion and workshops at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod on Sunday 22nd August between 10am and 4pm. </p> <p>The purpose of the day will be to have an open discussion with representatives from the production sector about the challenges currently faced by the Channel and the industry. I am very keen to have a wide representation, but I'd be grateful if you could nominate no more than two representatives from each company. </p> <p>Please confirm your attendance with Gwydion Lyn on 029 20741 452 or email gwydion.lyn@s4c.co.uk </p> <p>I look forward meeting you on Sunday. </p> <p>Arwel Ellis Owen </p> <p>Chief Executive </p> 13-Aug-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/617/language/eng/ <p>Question 3 </p> <p>How do we obtain a copy of the live broadcast of Y Clwb Rygbi on the Saturday in order to review it for compliance purposes before the repeat broadcast? Will we have to contact the BBC? </p> <p>Answer 3 </p> <p>S4C will discuss the most practical way of doing this with the successful applicant. It is not anticipated that you will need direct contact with the BBC to do this and you are asked not to contact the BBC while preparing your application.</p> 10-Aug-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/615/language/eng/ <p>Question 2: </p> <p>Could you confirm that you intend to follow the pattern adopted over the past two years for the Heineken Cup where the highlights of each game is broadcast on the day of the match? </p> <p>Answer 2: </p> <p>Our aim is to broadcast highlights of matches involving Welsh Regions on the evening of the matches. </p> 09-Aug-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/614/language/eng/ <p>S4C has commissioned a report to measure the Channel's impact on the Welsh economy. </p> <p>The company DTZ, in partnership with the Welsh Economic Research Unit at Cardiff University, will make the assessment of the Channel's expenditure in order to measure the effect on employment and the economy. </p> <p>S4C's contribution to the Welsh economy has been acknowledged by the broadcasting regulator Ofcom and in the Hargreaves Report on the Creative Industries. </p> <p>In 2007, S4C commissioned an independent study to measure the effects of the channel's activities on the Welsh economy. The study showed that the channel's activities were responsible for creating 2,250 jobs in the production sector and in the wider economy. </p> <p>In order to update the information, S4C has commissioned the new report to assess the channel's contribution between 2007 and the present. The report will be ready by early autumn. </p> 06-Aug-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/612/language/eng/ <p>Question </p> <p>Can we submit a bid for the rugby tender based on Standard Definition rather than Hi Definition, given the recent references to the possibility of reviewing Clirlun on S4C? </p> <p>Answer </p> <p>The tender document states that the price should include 'The cost of recording the programmes in High Definition, full height anamorphic wide-screen format (16:9).' Please submit details of a price for Standard Definition as well as Hi Definition, or to note in the submission if there is no difference in the price. The prices will be taken into consideration when assessing the submissions.</p> 02-Aug-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/611/language/eng/ <p>The Secretary of State for Wales, Cheryl Gillan, expressed her full support for S4C during a visit today (Saturday 31 July) to the broadcaster's pavilion at the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale. </p> <p>Following a meeting with S4C Chief Executive, Arwel Ellis Owen and S4C Authority Member Winston Roddick, Cheryl Gillan said the discussions had been very positive. </p> <p>She described S4C as unique and an important part of the broadcasting mix in Wales making a vitally important contribution to Welsh culture and the Welsh language. She added that she was confident S4C was taking steps to secure its future and was moving forward positively. </p> <p>Arwel Ellis Owen said, 'The meeting with the Secretary of State was extremely constructive and it was good to get her personal support for the Authority's appointment. I look forward to further meetings with the Secretary of State soon. </p> <p>Ends</p> 31-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/610/language/eng/ <p>The S4C Authority has announced that Arwel Ellis Owen has been appointed as S4C's interim Chief Executive. </p> <p>Arwel Ellis Owen will start in the post immediately and will remain in the role until a permanent Chief Executive is appointed. </p> <p>John Walter Jones, S4C Authority Chairman said: 'Arwel's vast experience in the media industry will be an enormous asset for S4C at a time when the Channel is facing huge challenges and will ensure continuity and stability. He will start in the post immediately, working closely with both the Authority members and staff. </p> <p>Arwel Ellis Owen said he was delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the Channel during the coming months and was looking forward to working with the production sector and establishing a close relationship with S4C viewers. </p> <p>Arwel Ellis Owen said: 'The National Eisteddfod will be a great opportunity for me and the S4C staff to hold a dialogue with viewers and programme suppliers on the issues which are important to them. </p> <p>Ends</p> 30-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/609/language/eng/ <p>Following yesterday's announcement regarding the changes at S4C further clarification of operational details are set out below. </p> <p>The S4C Authority has asked a Management Team of 4 - Kathryn Morris, Rhian Gibson, Garffild Lloyd Lewis and Elin Morris together with Phil Williams Secretary to the Authority to undertake the duties of the Chief Executive on an interim basis. </p> <p>Responsibility for the day to day running of S4C remains with the Executive members of the Board of Directors and the staff of S4C. There are no changes to these core responsibilities. </p> <p>Director of Finance and Human Resources - Kathryn Morris </p> <p>Director of Broadcasting and Distribution - Arshad Rasul </p> <p>Director of Communications - Garffild Lloyd Lewis </p> <p>Director of Commissioning - Rhian Gibson </p> <p>Director of Business Affairs - Delyth Wynne Griffiths </p> <p>Director of Corporate and Commercial Policy - Elin Morris </p> <p>There are no changes to the current working relationship between the Production Sector and different Directorates in S4C.</p> 30-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/608/language/eng/ <p>The S4C Authority has announced a change in S4C's management structure that will lead to a closer working relationship between the Authority and the management team. </p> <p>The announcement was made today (Thursday, 29 July) following the departure of S4C Chief Executive, Iona Jones. </p> <p>S4C Authority Chairman, John Walter Jones said that the S4C Authority, the regulatory body that oversees S4C's performance, would work closer with a leaner management team. </p> <p>He revealed that the four executives on the new management team are Rhian Gibson, S4C's Director of Commissioning, Garffîld Lloyd Lewis, Director of Communications, Elin Morris, Director of Corporate and Commercial Policy and Kathryn Morris, Finance and Human Resources Director who will take on the new role of Accounting Officer. </p> <p>The S4C Authority will advertise for a new Chief Executive in due course. </p> <p>John Walter Jones also emphasised that S4C will work more closely with companies within the independent sector to ensure a secure future for both the Channel and its programme providers. </p> <p>Meetings are already taking place with directors of the production companies and the Channel will aim to meet all the production companies in the next few weeks. </p> <p>S4C Chairman John Walter Jones said: 'In order to ensure that the Channel's future remains secure and that the organisation is run efficiently, the most fundamental change is that the concept of due separation between the S4C Authority and the management team will now cease. S4C is a unitary body and this unitary organisation should manage and safeguard the interests of S4C viewers and the Channel's suppliers in the future. </p> <p>'The management team's organisational structure is also changing, with a smaller executive team working closely with the Authority members. We will work closely to ensure that we strengthen the partnership between S4C and the programme suppliers. </p> <p>'The Channel's future is secure but we do face numerous challenges, just like other public service organisations. We are confident that we are robust enough to strengthen the Channel in the face of the wholly digital television age. </p> <p>Ends</p> 29-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/607/language/eng/ <p>Production company Tinopolis has won in open competition S4C's tender to provide weather services for S4C from November 2010 until the end of October 2013. </p> 23-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/606/language/eng/ <p>An article about S4C has appeared in the Guardian/Guardian online this morning. A statement by John Walter Jones, Chair of the S4C Authority, is included in the article which can be read here <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/jul/23/s4c-grant-cut-dcms-wales">S4C Guardian article</a> </p> 23-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/605/language/eng/ <p><a href="/production/e_tenders.shtml">Tender for S4C's coverage of the Heineken Cup and LV Cup competitions</a></p> 19-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/604/language/eng/ <p>Following the announcement on 13 July, this is the timetable for this tender. </p> <p><table border="0" cellpadding="4"><tr><th scope="col">Stages</th><th scope="col">Dates</th></tr><tr><td>Publication of the invitation to tender</td><td>Monday 19 July 2010</td></tr><tr><td>Closing Date</td><td>09:00 Thursday 12 August 2010</td></tr><tr><td>Decide on Shortlist</td><td>Friday 13 August 2010</td></tr><tr><td>Interviews</td><td>Monday 16 August 2010 or Tuesday 17 August 2010</td></tr><tr><td>Notification of successful applicant</td><td>Monday 23 August 2010 </td></tr></table> </p> 15-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/603/language/eng/ <p>S4C will be publishing a tender to produce S4C's coverage of the Heineken Cup and the LV Cup very soon. </p> 13-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/602/language/eng/ <p>S4C has decided not to review its Policy for the Protection of Children and other Vulnerable People following the Government's announcement of its intention to remodel the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) 'back to proportionate, common sense levels. As a result of the announcement the Independent Safeguarding Authority registration stage of the scheme has been stopped and will not launch on 26 July 2010 as planned. </p> <p>Although the full details and scope of this remodel are still to be finalised:- </p> <p>• The elements that the VBS put in place back in Oct 09 continue. Please refer to the Independent Safeguarding Authority website for further information <a href="http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/">http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/</a> </p> <p>• Existing requirements concerning the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) will remain in place, and those entitled to such checks can continue to apply for them </p> <p>• The CRB will still be launching a new application form on 26 July 2010 (as originally planned) and has introduced interim arrangements. Please refer to the CRB website for further information and key dates <a href="http://www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/">http://www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/</a>. </p> <p>Any enquiries relating to the above can be referred to your Unit Manager at S4C. </p> <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/rm/news_view/newsid/573/language/eng/">Vetting and Barring Scheme Guidance - children and vulnerable adults</a> 26/03/10</p> 12-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/600/language/eng/ <p><a href="http://www.s4c.co.uk/production/downloads/guidelines/proglength-e_010710.pdf">Actual programme length - update</a></p> 05-Jul-2010 /production/rm/news_view/newsid/599/language/eng/ <p>Result of the tender - 18 June 2010 </p> <p>Following a tendering process, S4C has chosen production companies Rondo and Telesgop to produce coverage from the G&#373;yl Cerdd Dant Festival jointly for the next three years. </p> <p>The Cerdd Dant Festival is an annual event and is one of the highlights of the S4C transmission schedule. S4C has secured the rights to broadcast programmes from the Cerdd Dant Festival of Wales for the period 2010-2012. </p> 18-Jun-2010