Creating value using our resources

• The Commercial Content Fund, to help realise new commercial opportunities for great S4C content and producers, including internationally and on different platforms; and
• The Commercial Growth Fund, to invest in businesses that are closely aligned with S4C’s long term strategic aims and that can demonstrate the opportunity and potential for growth

These funds were presented to the production sector during S4C sector days held during 2023–24 by the two individuals appointed to lead S4C’s activities in this area: Claire Urquhart, Head of the Commercial Content Fund, and Laura Franses, Advisor to the Growth Fund.

Alongside the introduction of the new Commercial Strategy, a tender process was undertaken in 2023 to appoint an agent to sell advertising opportunities on S4C’s behalf. Axiom Media were awarded the contract which started on 01 January 2024. Over time, we hope that our partnership with Axiom Media will lead to opportunities to generate income from S4C’s content across a wider range of platforms.

In this respect, work is already underway with a view to introducing advertising on Clic, drawing on the experiences of other broadcasters in this area. We are also engaging external, specialist advice to generate income from advertising around S4C content on YouTube and other social media platforms.

A few months after its launch, S4C’s Commercial Growth Fund made its first investment – in Kubos Semiconductors, a company that develops new technology in the Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality industry. S4C took a minority stake in Kubos, alongside investment from the Development Bank of Wales and the founder of Wales’ leading semi-conductor company.

Ultimately, S4C’s commercial activities and investments that are designed to create an additional, sustainable income stream for S4C’s public service. This makes an important financial contribution which enables S4C to invest in content and services that would otherwise not be possible.