Language campaigners have warned that the changes to the BBC outlined in a Government white paper today could threaten the broadcaster's independence.  

The white paper states that the BBC has the right to reduce its contribution to S4C and refers to the co-location of the two broadcasters with no reference the relocation of S4C's headquarters to Carmarthen. In July 2015, a joint letter from the Chancellor and the Culture Secretary promised the Government would decide how to "make up the shortfall" if the BBC cut its funding for S4C, but that pledge is not repeated in the white paper. 

Curon Wyn Davies, Cymdeithas yr Iaith's digital spokesperson commented: 

"Once again, there is a real risk that the UK Government will take decisions which will harm the Welsh language - broadcasting needs devolving to Wales. The proposals suggest there is a further threat to S4C's independence. Indeed, there is a major risk this could prepare the ground for further cuts and a wholesale gobbling up of the channel by the BBC.  

"We recognise there will be a review of the channel in 2017, but there are a number of elements of the white paper which concern us.  It's a real worry that there's no mention of the Government's promise not to allow a further cut to S4C's budget. Creating one board for the BBC raises other questions about how decisions about licence fee money could be taken independently. It's also strange that there is mention of co-locating S4C and the BBC, despite the fact that S4C's headquarters are moving to Carmarthen."  

Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has raised concerns about these structural changes in a letter to the UK Culture Secretary and Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns MP.