Figures released today reveal that the value of BBC Wales programmes
made for the BBC's national networks rose again in 2003-04 to £16.04m.
Such has been BBC Wales' success in securing network commissions, the
income has risen 85 per cent - from £8.68m - in just three years.
In the BBC Wales Annual Review 2003-04 - which presents a summary of
the Broadcasting Council for Wales' assessment of BBC Wales' performance
for the year - the council calls on network commissioners to offer more
opportunities for BBC Wales to build on its success.
Recent commissions include the forthcoming production of the new Doctor
Who by BBC Wales - a series which is expected to raise BBC
Wales' income from the networks even further in 2004-05.
In his foreword to the 2003-04 Review, Professor Merfyn Jones,
the BBC's National Governor for Wales and Chairman of the Broadcasting
Council for Wales, describes BBC Wales as playing "a crucial role" in
Welsh cultural life and applauds a year of "innovative thinking", "groundbreaking
work" and "pioneering" developments.
Among the other achievements highlighted by the council are:
Programming rooted in the community such as the Radio Wales Voices projects
in Rhyl and the Pill area of Newport, Radio Cymru's Lleisiau initiatives
in Blaenau Ffestiniog and South West Wales and the BBC National Orchestra
for Wales' outreach projects including work with Indian musicians.
The council commended the way in which BBC Wales now works with its
audiences, immersing programme makers in the community.
The continued strong performance of news coverage, especially Newyddion
on S4C and Wales Today on BBC ONE Wales which attracted an average audience
of 305,000 - more than twice that of ITV1 Wales News.
Its average audience share of 35 per cent puts it in the top two performing
BBC regional news programmes in the UK.
BBC Wales' share of viewing on S4C was 40 per cent - proportionately
greater than the BBC's contribution in terms of hours.
The council describes programmes such as Pobol y Cwm, Newyddion and
sports output as "cornerstones of the service".
The success of the digital television service BBC 2W and Radio Cymru
in drawing a younger audience.
Over 50 per cent of 2W's viewers were aged under 45, a much younger
profile than terrestrial television services in Wales.
The proportion of Radio Cymru listeners in the under 35 age group has
grown from 15% in 2001 to 20% in 2003.
The review says 2W "has developed into an important medium for broadcasting
landmark events in the cultural and sporting life of the nation."
Programming such as a week featuring the work of Dylan Thomas to mark
the 50th anniversary of the poet's death, enhanced sports provision
on Sport Extra, coverage of Brecon Jazz and Proms in the Park and extended
coverage of BBC Singer of the World in Cardiff, led to significant increases
in viewing figures, awareness and recognition of 2W.
Launching the review, Professor Jones said: "During my two years as
National Governor, BBC Wales' increasing success in gaining network
commissions, particularly in Factual programmes, Music, Arts and Drama,
has been notable.
"However, council felt that life in contemporary Wales and the
other parts of the British Isles outside London was not adequately reflected
in network television output.
"Council is therefore pleased that the BBC Governors have taken its
advice and made it an objective for the networks in the coming year
to commission more programmes depicting modern Wales.
"This objective is included in the BBC's national Annual Report,
published last week."
Menna Richards, Controller, BBC Wales, said: "BBC Wales has had a very
successful year. Our services for audiences in Wales have expanded and
we've seen increased income coming here because of BBC Wales' success
in gaining network commissions.
"None of this would be possible without the tremendous creativity
and talent of our staff. I'd like to thank them very much for their
hard work and commitment".
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