BBC Trust

A number of participants were regular listeners, with Radio 2 and Radio Cymru being the main stations to which they listened. As one participant put it “I always start by listening to Radio Cymru, but if there is nothing of interest being broadcast, then I’ll switch to Radio 2”.

Radio Cymru’s schedule was praised on the whole, with a clear perception of the zoning within the station’s output, though an understandable perception that this led to some ‘Marmite moments’. One participant said “I love Tommo in the afternoon, and he clearly appeals to new audiences, but my elderly mother would rather switch off the radio and sit in silence for three hours!”. Another participant said “I can see that the schedule is now much more tuned to attracting new listeners - and younger listeners in particular - which I quite understand the station needs to do. I think it is really important that there is something provided in Welsh for young people.”

The Sunday schedule was commended, and in particular the classical music which participants felt took precedence during that day. There was praise too for Radio Cymru’s general focus on music, with its coverage of the National Eisteddfod and singing competitions such as BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, considered first class.

A father at the event said that he would always listen to Radio Cymru on the way home from school with his young children each afternoon and would down-load the songs played during Tommo’s programme upon reaching home, so as to listen again. There was praise for Radio Cymru’s web-site.

Many of those at the event were regular watchers of S4C, with the channel’s music content praised in particular – and a warm praise for its coverage of the recent BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition, and coverage of the National Eisteddfod. Other S4C programmes singled out for praise were magazine type programmes such as Prynhawn Da and Heno, and drama and continuing drama such as Rownd a Rownd, Pobol y Cwm, and Y Gwyll.

Newyddion at 9pm on S4C was also widely considered to be required viewing, with most of those present expressing the view that it did well to strike a balance between news from Wales, the UK and internationally.

Turning to English language TV programmes, day-time TV was considered good company by some of the older participants, with Flog It, Pointless, Place in the Sun and Bargain Hunt mentioned by name. 

Other programmes enjoyed, and mentioned, included Grand Designs, Casualty and Countryfile. Comedy programmes were also enjoyed, though a preference for comedy dramas, such as Last of the Summer Wine, was expressed.

BBC Four’s coverage of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition was considered by a number of those present to have been outstanding.

Concerns were expressed about the situation regarding sports broadcasting rights, with a number of those present expressing the worry that the BBC seemed to be losing rights to broadcast key sports, with too many of them being taken up by pay to view broadcasters. Particular concern was expressed regarding the Six Nations Rugby Championship, with almost all those present, expressing the view that it was ‘required viewing’ on the BBC.

The BBC’s provision for children, both through CBBC and CBeebies and on-line was considered very good indeed, and it was felt that it managed to combine learning and entertainment very well indeed.

There was no support for making BBC Three an on-line only channel and most felt that this was a precipitate move on the BBC’s part.

BBC Wales Today was praised for its news bulletins throughout the day, as was the BBC’s Network News. Sky News was also praised though there was a recognition that it was “even worse than BBC News in covering Wales”.

The Licence Fee was considered to be excellent value for money.