Written question WQ83431
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Economy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What discussions has the Minister had with S4C to ensure that subtitles are provided during live sporting events, further to the recent Wales v Estonia match where these were not provided?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip
The Welsh Government takes a keen interest in broadcasting issues which affect Wales. Welsh Ministers and officials have regular meetings with the public service broadcasters, including S4C, and we are working to introduce a Memorandum of Understanding with S4C to strengthen our relationship and provide clarity on areas of joint priority and focus. However, as broadcasting is not devolved, we do not have any regulatory control over what is broadcast by the broadcasters, including S4C, on television, radio and its digital services.
When I met with S4C in June, S4C’s sport content and its role in providing access to important sporting events to audiences in Wales was discussed. Whilst the provision of subtitles for specific live events such as the recent Wales v Estonia match were not covered at that time, my officials have raised this matter with S4C, and S4C has confirmed it has been able to secure the rights to provide English subtitles for the remaining World Cup qualifying matches.