MOVEMENT WELCOMES THE POSSIBILITY OF TWO WELSH MEDIUM CHANNELS

Dyfodol i’r Iaith, the Welsh Language Lobby Group, has welcomed the announcement by Betsan Powys, Editor Radio Cymru, that Wales could have two Welsh medium radio channels.

Heini Gruffudd, Chair of Dyfodol i’r Iaith said, “We presented evidence to the BBC calling for two Welsh Radio Channels – Radio Pawb and Radio Pop.  The aim is to have one traditional channel and one channel for younger listeners.”

“We are encouraged that some of Radio Cymru’s new programmes are popular, and Tomo has clearly made his mark in a short time, and Radio Cymru’s listening figures are rising.”

“The difficulty is satisfying all kinds of audiences at the same time.  In English there is a wide choice of channels, and it would be great for Welsh listeners to have a chance to choose the channel that appeals most to them.”

“It’s good to hear that technical developments could make it possible to have two Welsh medium channels, either under the BBC or run by independent broadcasters.”

The Welsh language movement Dyfodol i’r Iaith (a Future for the Language) has issued a May Day challenge to Radio Cymru to improve its Welsh language service.

In a letter to both the Head of Welsh Language Programmes and the Editor of Radio Cymru, Sian Gwynedd and Betsan Powys, the movement has asked a number of questions about the present service and how it could prepare for the future.

Dyfodol has received a number of concerns and complaints from its members regarding the presenters’ use of sub-standard Welsh and the number of English songs being broadcast on Radio Cymru.  The movement therefore queries when will a second Welsh-medium service be available on any platform in order to overcome the present difficulties. Continue reading →