We've updated our Privacy and Cookies Policy
We've made some important changes to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and we want you to know what this means for you and your data.
Carwyn Jones seeks Westminster talks over 大象传媒 Wales
First Minister Carwyn Jones is seeking talks with ministers in Westminster over proposed cuts to 大象传媒 Wales.
Politicians and unions have responded to a leaked document which sets out how 大象传媒 Wales could meet a corporation-wide target to save 20%.
It proposes axing current affairs programme Week In Week Out and suggests scaling back coverage of the National Eisteddfod and Royal Welsh Show.
大象传媒 Wales said no decisions had been taken.
Top Stories
The document sets out how news, sport and current affairs could be affected.
The cost-cutting exercise - called Delivering Quality First (DQF) - stems from a decision last autumn to freeze the 大象传媒 licence fee.
Top Stories
At question time in the Senedd, Mr Jones said he shared concerns about cuts.
He has written to UK culture secretary Jeremy Hunt requesting a meeting to discuss broadcasting. Broadcasting is not devolved.
"It is not acceptable to see cuts of 20% regarding broadcasting in Wales at the 大象传媒," Mr Jones said.
"We must ensure that the 大象传媒 gives the people of Wales the service that they should receive in order to ensure that they know what goes on in their own country."
In an email to staff, 大象传媒 Wales director Keith Jones said: "I want to make it absolutely clear that no decisions on future savings have been made at this stage of the DQF process.
He said final decisions were not expected to be taken until much later this year and that final recommendations will need the approval of the 大象传媒 Trust.
All parts of the 大象传媒 had been asked to assess how they could contribute to the "challenging savings target of 20%".
'Difficult decisions'
Top Stories
"There will undoubtedly be a number of very difficult decisions to make - but I want to stress that the discussion and debate is on-going," he added.
大象传媒 Wales would consult with unions when the time comes to discuss proposals, he said.
David Donovan, national organiser of the broadcasting union Bectu, said 大象传媒 Wales had additional cultural and linguistic responsibilities as a national broadcaster.
Mr Donovan said: "I accept that cuts may well be necessary in all organisations around the UK, however what I think is important is that those cuts should be proportional."
The union opposes plans to hand over responsibility for funding Welsh-language channel S4C from the government to the TV licence fee.
Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards called for the devolution of broadcasting, and said: "Cuts of this magnitude will destroy the concept of 大象传媒 Wales as a national broadcaster and it shows shocking contempt by the 大象传媒 in London."
Baroness Randerson, Welsh Liberal Democrat peer and former Welsh culture minister, said: "If what is being suggested here is implemented, this would have a significant impact on cultural and political life in Wales."
'Speculation'
A 大象传媒 spokesperson said: "We have made it clear that local, regional and national services will continue to be at the heart of what we do.
"We are not going to get drawn into a running commentary - no decisions have been taken and therefore these claims remain speculation.
"Any decisions coming out of the process would be subject to approval by the 大象传媒 Trust."
Media commentator Steve Hewlett told 大象传媒 Radio Wales: "They { the 大象传媒} are having to look at some pretty serious options.
"But when the 大象传媒 say no final decisions have been made as far as I'm aware that is correct and as a consequence of that one has to be very careful when, I think, looking at leaks and the emergence of bits of information about whether one is being manipulated here."
Top Stories
More to explore
Most read
Content is not available