“Welsh belongs to all of us” – working with others to reach a million Welsh speakers

During May 2023, S4C undertook some research to better understand the needs of the audience which is learning Welsh. Over a thousand individuals completed the survey and, following further consultation with other institutions such as the National Centre for Learning Welsh, a revised version of S4C’s Learn Welsh website was launched in September 2023.

A monthly newsletter was also launched, which is sent directly to those learning Welsh who wish to receive it.

The feedback collected through S4C’s research also led to viewers being able to choose Welsh-language subtitles on the Newyddion S4C (BBC Cymru) programme from September 2023 onwards. The option is now available to those watching on the linear service, as well as via Clic’s live stream and catch-up offer.

The introduction of Welsh-language subtitles is intended to make it easier for those who are learning Welsh to follow S4C’s main news output. Consequently, the weekly news programme aimed at Welsh learners called Yr Wythnos (BBC Cymru) came to an end.

During 2023, S4C also revised its Welsh-language Content Guidelines in consultation with key stakeholders and external experts. The revised Guidelines were approved by the Unitary Board on 14 December 2023, and were subsequently shared with the production sector.

Our core expectations remain unchanged: that S4C’s objective is to provide a service of a high standard in the Welsh language.

The main principles of the Guidelines are also consistent with the previous version, namely:

• The need to use spoken Welsh that is natural to the speaker when scripting and presenting.
• Supporting contributors to speak Welsh in a way that is natural to them.
• That the standard of Welsh we would expect is dependent on the nature and tone of the content.
• That any use of English requires editorial justification.