Senedd debates draft BBC Charter

(Pic : BBC Wales)

Yesterday, the National Assembly discussed the draft version of the BBC's new Royal Charter, which will set out operating conditions and public service remit for the broadcaster (and also has a knock-on impact on S4C). It comes amidst long-standing concerns over how the BBC portrays and serves Welsh audiences.

The draft Charter is available here (pdf). Just to point out some of the differences in domestic political coverage for those of you who are interested, BBC Wales's coverage of a story relating to themselves amounts to 200 words, mine is 1,400. I'm the one not getting paid to do it which makes me a mug I suppose.

I'm not going to repeat anything I've said before or offer any further commentary because there's little to add. If you want more background to this it's worth pointing to the IWA media audit from last November (Groundhog Day : Auditing the Welsh media) and the report of the Communities & Local Government Committee from the Fourth Assembly (A Smarter BBC Charter for Wales).

Minister for Welsh Language & Lifelong Learning, Alun Davies (Lab, Blaenau Gwent), believes the BBC is one of the most important UK institutions, and politicians need to recognise their role in supporting and enabling the BBC (clip). However, it wasn't their role to bully the BBC or think it's a state broadcaster as opposed to a public broadcaster; its integrity should be protected.

His written statement (here) is the initial Welsh Government response, but there were outstanding issues. Alun held a meeting with the UK Culture Minister to discuss their joint vision and he was confident both governments can ensure provisions will be in place to serve the whole population of the UK – without Welsh Government input, they wouldn't have been in that position. The draft Charter gives the BBC a much stronger public purpose, but it should also support creative industries and we should also expect "more and better" content made in, and about, Wales.

The Minister also welcomed commitments to Welsh language broadcasting, such as safeguarding S4C's independence and its licence fee element; though he accepted that no increase in S4C's funding in light of inflation "presents challenges". Across the board, he expects a net increase in funding for public service broadcasting (PSB) in Wales, not a replacement for savings announced by BBC Wales recently.

There was then some discussion with opposition AMs over the Assembly's new responsibility for confirming/approving the appointment of a Welsh member to the BBC board – particularly whether the Culture Committee should have a direct role. The Minister believed it isn't his place to decide how the Assembly operates despite saying the Welsh Government will be "directly involved" in the process.

Chair of the Assembly's Culture Committee, Bethan Jenkins AM (Plaid, South Wales West), said the confirmation role was vital to ensure the concerns of Welsh audiences were heard and also presents a "new and serious responsibility" over how the BBC is funded and serves Wales (clip). Ofcom will also be invited to the Committee to provide evidence on their role in regulating Welsh PSB.

She repeated what the Minister said that it was important that the additional £30million announced for Welsh PSB was additional money, not making up savings elsewhere; Bethan believes the Bake Off show's move to Channel 4 raises questions as to whether the BBC can really be all things to all people or is in danger of inadvertently pushing audiences away.

She was pleased S4C was positively referenced, but wants to ensure a review of S4C considers long-term funding, its independence and an enhanced remit, having delivered well-paid jobs outside Cardiff.

Suzy Davies AM (Con, South Wales West), was pleasantly surprised by the positive attitude of the Minister, describing it as being "as heartwarming as a Valentine's card" and a step forward in maturity on how well the two governments can work together (clip). Suzy said the Assembly having the responsibility in appointing a BBC board member was akin to having a "veto" in a non-devolved areas, which the Conservatives welcome. She also stated all public service broadcasters should be accountable to the Assembly.

She did, however, express concerns that Wales might end up with a "Reserved Powers Not" if the Assembly is seen to step over the line. Suzy also wanted further clarity on whether Assembly committee findings will carry the same weight as UK Parliament committees and whether there would be interference with the BBC's independence in some areas.

Lee Waters AM (Lab, Llanelli) said the Wales Bill goes out of its way to remind us that broadcasting non-devolved but the Charter process shows how those differences can be worked past (clip). The main barriers to progress are funding and the culture within the BBC; "old habits die hard", with the BBC not serving audiences properly, being apathetic and its hierarchy believing that excellence is only achieved by keeping decision-making in London.

It's often easier to change policy than practice. He called out Tony Hall (BBC Director-General) for coming here and saying Wales was an investment priority, only for the BBC Wales head position to be downgraded and overseeing cuts/savings of £9million.

Neil Hamilton AM (UKIP, Mid & West Wales) accepted there was far too much focus in the BBC on London, even though they've made some moves to spread programme making (clip). S4C has experienced a 36% cut in its budget overall, and in light of that their achievements are significant. He repeated calls for an ongoing review on S4C; it wasn't right that a Whitehall department makes decisions on the only Welsh language channel. It was also right that the Assembly holds broadcasters to account, supporting the Assembly holding a confirmation hearing for a BBC board member.

Jeremy Miles AM (Lab, Neath) reminded the chamber that the Charter will be in place for 11 years, underlining its importance as "a foundation to build on" to provide greater support and meet the changing expectations of Welsh audiences (clip). Despite the appointment/approval of a Welsh board member being "devolved", the appointment of the board chair will remain in London; over time he would like to see that done in consultation with the devolved nations.

As a member of the Culture Committee he hopes to hear from Ofcom on what their role in Wales means in practice and how they see their presence in Wales changing. He also made an astute observation by saying the Charter doesn't do anything to prevent the UK Government forcing the BBC to use its own money to meet UK policy objectives – like paying for free TV licences for the over-75s.

Former BBC journalist, Rhun ap Iorwerth AM (Plaid, Ynys Môn), said that while the draft Charter offers more security and a better settlement than first feared, there are still threats to Welsh broadcasting (clip). The most important thing to consider was what Welsh audiences get back from their licence fee; there was a need for the BBC to do much more to reflect Wales back to Welsh audiences and Rhun believes a "more compelling offer" will halt audience declines. He rejected any idea that the Assembly's involvement would impact the BBC's independence as they're simply representing the people of Wales in the process.

In reply, the Minister said the "creative accountability" was a fantastic opportunity for the Assembly to make a difference (clip). It was time the culture in the BBC that they know what's best for the whole UK changes as it's not right or fair; PSB should represent all of us regardless of where we live. He said we can't imagine 7 days a week of broadcasting without a mention of England on our screens, so how do we cope with 7 days without Wales?

He said the structure of management and accountability has failed and can't happen again, believing that Assembly committee reports will have a significant impact. For too long AMs have been invited to receptions where warm words were offered, but action needs to start with the forthcoming £30million investment.

An amended motion, noting the draft Charter, calling for a long-term review into S4C's funding and remit, noting concerns about BBC Wales "cash-flat" licence fee arrangements and calling for greater accountability to the Assembly and Welsh audiences was approved unanimously.