Welsh Government criticised for weakened plans

The Welsh Government has announced that it will not continue with plans to create a Broadcasting and Communications Advisory Body for Wales, contrary to previous promises.

In a statement in March 2024, Dawn Bowden, the then Minister for Culture, announced an intention to establish a body which would, among other things, "explore plans for an alternative broadcasting and communications framework if broadcasting were to be devolved and will keep the case for the establishment of a Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales in the future under review."

Today's announcement (12/05/2025) says that "Creative Wales and broadcasting and media stakeholders" will carry out advisory functions on broadcasting, instead of creating a dedicated body for this role. It also refers to seeking "a strengthened framework for broadcasting and a greater voice for Wales" which, according to Cymdeithas yr Iaith, is very far from being a commitment to devolve broadcasting powers.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith also argues that the decision is at odds with the rhetoric used in a speech given by first minister Eluned Morgan on 6 May.

Carl Morris, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Digital Group, said:
"Less than a week since Eluned Morgan criticised Keir Starmer's Government for a lack of respect for devolution, her own government has dropped a clear and crucial promise to devolve powers over broadcasting, and will do very little for the foreseeable future. Instead of creating a dedicated independent body to prepare the way for devolving broadcasting powers, the Government is talking about working internally through Creative Wales. This is far less than the government had promised to do and falls significantly short of the challenges we face. Ultimately, the devolution of broadcasting powers from London to Wales is essential for our democracy and our language, and we need a dedicated body to prepare the way for that now.

"Welsh Labour has failed on the first test of its new rhetoric on standing up for Wales and for devolution. This is not a "Red Welsh Way". We call on the Government to reverse this retrograde step and to take action to establish this important body.

"At a time when there are many threats to democracy from the far right, a lack of public understanding and a democratic deficit, action is needed to strengthen the broadcasting sector, to hold politicians to account, and to provide a broadcasting framework that serves the Welsh language and our communities. People receive information from a very wide range of providers and media. It is more important than ever that we have a wide range of media that reflects our society today, and in Welsh."