PLAID Cymru has urged the Welsh Government to take “bold steps” to enable devolution of powers over broadcasting and help “turbocharge” democracy.
The call comes after a major report recommended it should proceed with the establishment of a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales, to become fully operational after a year.
The expert panel which published the findings said this body would support and protect the industry in Wales and “create a voice” for the people of Wales.
Heledd Fychan MS, Plaid Cymru spokesperson for broadcasting, said the recommendations were “too important to delay.”
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She said: “Today’s report is a significant development for Wales to help us take steps to turbocharge our democracy.
“A fair, independent and balanced media is at the heart of every democratic society.
“Decisions about communication and broadcasting matters for Wales should be made in Wales, and whilst power for much of Welsh media continues to reside in another country, under another government, Wales will be all the poorer.”
She added: “Crucially, the report notes that Welsh Government will need a body in Wales to turn to for guidance on navigating the changes on the horizon, and to increase transparency and plurality of the media in Wales.
“The onus is now on Welsh Government to implement the recommendations within the report and take immediate steps to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority. This is too important a matter to delay.”
The expert panel was established through the co-operation agreement between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government in 2022 and set up by Labour Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden and Designated Member Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru MS.
The report noted: “It became clear, following our widespread evidence gathering, including commissioned research that policy, regulation and accountability all need to be strengthened.
"We came to the conclusion that this vital sector needs an independent body of expertise – a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority – to increase transparency and visibility at a Welsh level.
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“This body would advise the Welsh Government on future trends, support and protect the industry in Wales so it can continue to adapt and improve, and create a voice for the people of Wales.”
Campbell said: “Our public interest approach towards broadcasting and communications in Wales stands in stark contrast to the London-centric, profit-at-all-costs approach of the UK Government.
“We believe in a future where there is a democratic and diverse media pluralism that enhances and reflects Wales’s national life.
“Establishing a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales that can protect, diversify, and enhance our local and national public service platforms will be a crucial step forward.”
In a statement announcing the report, Bowden said the Welsh Government would now consider the recommendations
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