Texting for a new S4C, Cymdeithas rally

protest-s4c.JPGIt's time for the politicians to deliver a new S4C, that will be the message at a rally on the Eisteddfod field today (2pm, 4th August).Since the Government announced plans to cut their grant to the only Welsh language TV channel, tens of organisation, the leaders of the four main parties in Wales and Archbishop Barry Morgan have voiced their opposition. The joint BBC-Government plan was also criticised by the Welsh Affairs Committee and Culture Committee in Westminster, and in March this year campaigners presented a 13,000-strong petition against the cuts.Addressing the crowd at the rally will be Plaid Cymru President Jill Evans, Labour MP Susan Elan Jones and Meic Birtwistle from the NUJ. During the rally, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg speakers will encourage protestors to text Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt with an anti-cuts message.Menna Machreth, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg broadcasting spokesperson said:"The power of people's campaigning has meant we have moved the Westminster Government from abolishing S4C to the present situation where it's close to buckling completely. Everyone in Wales wants to see a new S4C delivered, not more of the same lies from Tories or anyone else who thinks that less is acceptable. Here, in the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham, we call on politicians to "walk the walk, as well as talk the talk' and vote to remove S4C from the Public Bodies Bill."Protestors will walk to the Welsh Government stand on the Eisteddfod field to call for the devolution of broadcasting to Wales. Ms Machreth added:"The united voice of people in Wales has spoken out clearly against the Government's plans, and it's time for the Welsh Government to offer leadership on such an important topic and insist on devolving media policy to Wales. The BBC in London must realise that their intention to inflict massive cuts is going to shrink the media in Wales, and S4C must be willing to listen and reform if it's to regain people's confidence as well as step forward into the digital age"Speaking in the protest, Plaid Cymru President Jill Evans will say:"The rallly today will be a chance for people to voice their discontent over what is happening to S4C. It's vital the Westminster Government understands that their actions have enraged very many people. The battle for our channel continues, including at the European level. The threat to S4C has an effect beyond Wales. People in other countries who have fought for minority language rights are very aware of the importance of the channel to the Welsh language and to the status of all our languages."Following the rally at 8pm, there will be an anti-cuts gig in the Central Station nightclub in Wrexham town centre, which has been sponsored by a number of trades unions, with performances by Mr Huw, Twmffat, Llwybr Llaethog, Crash.Disco! Dau Cefn and Llyr PSI.