MP Jonathan Edwards and Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr today signed a statement calling for the devolution of responsibility for the media in Wales as part of a Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg campaign to speak out on the issue.

Jonathan Edwards MP said:

"We have seen recently with the cuts in S4C's budget the real need for us to have control over broadcasting in Wales, it doesn't make sense for the Welsh broadcasting sector to be open to consistent cuts by a government that doesn't have a mandate in Wales.

"Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM added:"Broadcasting in Wales has faced hit after hit in the last year and its time for us to take the reins to do something about it in the Assembly."

Adam Jones, Digital Future spokesman for Cymdeithas yr iaith said:

"We are pleased that so many politicians, organisations and institutions from all over Wales are supporting our campaign. Broadcasting in Wales faces a grim future if we do not act now.

"We have seen recently the attitude of Westminster towards broadcasting and the way they completely disregarded the people of Wales and the importance of S4C whilst deciding it's future. The only way to stop unwise decisions such as these in the future is to ensure that it's not them who decide on these issues.

"What we need is to devolve broadcasting so that we are responsible and can create a strong welsh structure to our broadcasting that would prioritise our communities. It's time now for our Assembly Members make a stand and demand that the whole package of powers over broadcasting are brought to Wales, and to pressurise Westminster until that happens.''