S4C and BBC Trust agree funding change

The BBC Trust and S4C have agreed a fundamental change in the Welsh language public-service broadcaster’s funding, which from April 1st will be primarily provided by the licence fee rather than direct government grant.

The agreement will run for four years and sets out the degree of BBC Trust oversight – including annual performance assessments and a joint board – to safeguard the licence-fee money, while ensuring S4C continues as an independent statutory corporation.

Huw Jones, chairman of the S4C Authority said: “This is an historic development for Welsh broadcasting which provides clarity for the new relationship, while safeguarding S4C’s independence.”