Plaid Cymru government unveils ‘first step’ towards broadcasting powers

The Welsh government has renewed calls for control over broadcasting, unveiling what it describes as the “first step” towards its ambition to “give Wales its voice” in the sector.

Broadcasting and communications are reserved to Westminster, but Plaid Cymru ministers say the existing settlement “does not cater to the realities” of devolution in the UK.

Welsh ministers will establish a “Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority”, which they say will “use every lever available” to protect and strengthen Wales’ media landscape.

The UK government, which has responsibility for the sector, has been asked to comment.

The move was part of Plaid Cymru’s manifesto at the recent Senedd election.

Welsh government culture minister Heledd Fychan said a new “shadow” broadcasting authority would help “protect and strengthen local and national public service media platforms in Wales”.

Announcing the plans, she said they had “not been developed in isolation”.

“They are based on evidence that a UK-wide framework for broadcasting does not cater to the realities of how a devolved UK operates,” she said.

“The Welsh government is not a lone voice. We have heard calls from organisations such as the Institute of Welsh Affairs and through the work of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales that Wales needs a stronger voice on broadcasting and communications matters.”