Written - Advisory Group on Broadcasting

Following the announcement on 14 October of Huw Jones as chair of an advisory group on broadcasting, I have today announced the full membership of the group which will look at options for the future of English language public service broadcasting in Wales.

The other members of the group are Geraint Talfan Davies, Julie Barton and Kevin Morgan:

The group was established to develop a response to the recommendations made in phase 2 of Ofcom’s review on Public Service Broadcasting and following on from the announcement of job losses at ITV Wales.

The group’s work is intended to inform the Welsh Assembly Government’s response to the second phase of Ofcom’s review of Public Service Broadcasting.

Huw Jones - was Chief Executive at S4C for 11 years – S4C’s third and so far longest serving Chief Executive. He has experience of commercial aspects of broadcasting, having chaired UK digital multiplex operator SDN, as well as of independent production. He is currently also Deputy Chair of the Wales Employment and Skills Board and Chair of Portmeirion Ltd.

Geraint Talfan Davies - is Chairman and one of the co-founders of the Institute of Welsh Affairs, he was the author of comprehensive IWA Media Audit undertaken recently. Controller of BBC Wales from 1990-2000.

Julie Barton – spent some 20 years with BBC Wales, more recently as the editor of BBC Radio Wales before leaving in 2006. Julie is now a member of Ofcom’s Advisory Committee for Wales and media consultant, training students and media staff across Wales in all aspects of radio.

Kevin Morgan - Professor of Governance and Development, Cardiff University. He has acted as an adviser and a commentator to a wide array of print and broadcast media organisations.

The group’s terms of reference are attached.

ADVISORY GROUP ON BROADCASTING

Terms of Reference

The main task for the group will be to examine a range of options for ensuring that English language television programmes from Wales continue to offer plurality to viewers with regard to news, current affairs and general interest programmes. The task and finish group will be charged in particular with: 

1. examining the implications of Ofcom’s latest advice regarding the ITV network’s approach to its public service obligation in Wales;
2. advising on how an appropriate provision of English-language programming for and about Wales, from more than one source, can be secured;
3. considering whether alternative licensing arrangements and/or structures might better safeguard the interest of Welsh viewers;
4. identifying opportunities and challenges arising from the rapid development of digital technologies and the convergence of what are currently separate digital platforms.

Based on its investigations, the group will be expected to make recommendations to the Welsh Assembly Cabinet designed to ensure plurality of programme supply and compelling, accessible television and audio visual content which reflects the needs and interests of Welsh citizens.

The group’s recommendations should include proposals intended to ensure plurality under the terms of the existing ITV licence up until 2014 as well as identifying options for the longer term.

The group will be expected to make initial recommendations by December 2008.