Following a "constructive" meeting with S4C officials today, Cymdeithas yr Iaith continue to call for a guarantee that any subtitles on the channel will be optional and available in Welsh.
S4C officials agreed at the meeting to "jointly explore the use of technology to increase the number of Welsh language subtitles", but Cymdeithas have called for further commitments.
The meeting follows a 5-day camapaign of English subtitles, that could not be turned off, on primetime S4C programs, and a complaint sent by Cymdeithas to Ofcom on Monday.
(Complaint to Ofcom, Monday 29th February http://cymdeithas.cymru/dogfen/deitlau-saesneg-ar-s4c-cwyn-swyddogol-i-ofcom )
David Wyn, deputy chair of Cymdeithas' digital campaigns group, said:
"We had a constructive meeting with S4C officials, but it is unfortunate that the channel has not accepted that they've made a mistake. They need to make it clear that they will not repeat this week's experiment or expand the use of mandatory subtitles under any circumstances, and we're still waiting for such a clarification. Where is the apology to all S4C viewers for the inconvenience caused due to this week's mandatory English subtitles on the channel?"
"Our position is that any and all subtitles should be in Welsh and should be optionally only - their main purpose is for people with hearing impairment, yet only a tiny percentage are currently made available. They should work towards providing Welsh language subtitles on 80% of programs, as required by broadcasting rules. We are pleased that they have agreed today to investigate as a first step in the right direction. "
Original article in Welsh: http://cymdeithas.cymru/newyddion/deitlau-trafodaeth-adeiladol-ond-angen-ymddiheuriad