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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Opposition to proposed programme cuts at BBC Wales | Opposition to proposed programme cuts at BBC Wales |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| Unions and politicians have responded to the threat of cuts to BBC Wales. | Unions and politicians have responded to the threat of cuts to BBC Wales. |
| A leaked document sets out ways BBC Wales could meet a corporation-wide target to save 20%. | A leaked document sets out ways BBC Wales could meet a corporation-wide target to save 20%. |
| It proposes axing current affairs programme Week In Week Out and suggests scaling back coverage of the National Eisteddfod and Royal Welsh Show. | It proposes axing current affairs programme Week In Week Out and suggests scaling back coverage of the National Eisteddfod and Royal Welsh Show. |
| BBC Wales said no decisions had been taken and final plans would be signed off by the BBC Trust. | BBC Wales said no decisions had been taken and final plans would be signed off by the BBC Trust. |
| The document sets out how news, sport and current affairs could be affected. | The document sets out how news, sport and current affairs could be affected. |
| The cost-cutting exercise - called Delivering Quality First (DQF) - stems from a decision last autumn to freeze the BBC licence fee. | |
| In an email to staff, BBC Wales director Keith Jones said: "I want to make it absolutely clear that no decisions on future savings have been made at this stage of the DQF process. | In an email to staff, BBC Wales director Keith Jones said: "I want to make it absolutely clear that no decisions on future savings have been made at this stage of the DQF process. |
| "We do not expect final decisions to be taken until much later this year. Final recommendations will require the approval of the BBC Trust." | "We do not expect final decisions to be taken until much later this year. Final recommendations will require the approval of the BBC Trust." |
| 'Difficult decisions' | 'Difficult decisions' |
| He said all parts of the BBC had been asked to assess how they could contribute to the "challenging savings target of 20%". | He said all parts of the BBC had been asked to assess how they could contribute to the "challenging savings target of 20%". |
| "There will undoubtedly be a number of very difficult decisions to make - but I want to stress that the discussion and debate is on-going," he added. | "There will undoubtedly be a number of very difficult decisions to make - but I want to stress that the discussion and debate is on-going," he added. |
| BBC Wales would consult with unions when the time comes to discuss proposals, he said. | BBC Wales would consult with unions when the time comes to discuss proposals, he said. |
| At question time in the Senedd, first minister Carwyn Jones said he shared concerns about cuts. | |
| "It is not acceptable to see cuts of 20% regarding broadcasting in Wales at the BBC," he said. | |
| "We must ensure that the BBC gives the people of Wales the service that they should receive in order to ensure that they know what goes on in their own country." | |
| David Donovan, national organiser of the broadcasting union Bectu, said BBC Wales had additional cultural and linguistic responsibilities as a national broadcaster. | David Donovan, national organiser of the broadcasting union Bectu, said BBC Wales had additional cultural and linguistic responsibilities as a national broadcaster. |
| Mr Donovan said: "I accept that cuts may well be necessary in all organisations around the UK, however what I think is important is that those cuts should be proportional." | Mr Donovan said: "I accept that cuts may well be necessary in all organisations around the UK, however what I think is important is that those cuts should be proportional." |
| The union opposes plans to hand over responsibility for funding Welsh-language channel S4C from the government to the TV licence fee. | The union opposes plans to hand over responsibility for funding Welsh-language channel S4C from the government to the TV licence fee. |
| Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards called for the devolution of broadcasting, and said: "Cuts of this magnitude will destroy the concept of BBC Wales as a national broadcaster and it shows shocking contempt by the BBC in London." | Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards called for the devolution of broadcasting, and said: "Cuts of this magnitude will destroy the concept of BBC Wales as a national broadcaster and it shows shocking contempt by the BBC in London." |
| Baroness Randerson, Welsh Liberal Democrat peer and former Welsh culture minister, said: "If what is being suggested here is implemented, this would have a significant impact on cultural and political life in Wales." | Baroness Randerson, Welsh Liberal Democrat peer and former Welsh culture minister, said: "If what is being suggested here is implemented, this would have a significant impact on cultural and political life in Wales." |
| 'Speculation' | 'Speculation' |
| A BBC spokesperson said: "We have made it clear that local, regional and national services will continue to be at the heart of what we do. | A BBC spokesperson said: "We have made it clear that local, regional and national services will continue to be at the heart of what we do. |
| "We are not going to get drawn into a running commentary - no decisions have been taken and therefore these claims remain speculation. | "We are not going to get drawn into a running commentary - no decisions have been taken and therefore these claims remain speculation. |
| "Any decisions coming out of the process would be subject to approval by the BBC Trust." | "Any decisions coming out of the process would be subject to approval by the BBC Trust." |
| Media commentator Steve Hewlett told BBC Radio Wales: "They { the BBC} are having to look at some pretty serious options. | Media commentator Steve Hewlett told BBC Radio Wales: "They { the BBC} are having to look at some pretty serious options. |
| "But when the BBC say no final decisions have been made as far as I'm aware that is correct and as a consequence of that one has to be very careful when, I think, looking at leaks and the emergence of bits of information about whether one is being manipulated here." | "But when the BBC say no final decisions have been made as far as I'm aware that is correct and as a consequence of that one has to be very careful when, I think, looking at leaks and the emergence of bits of information about whether one is being manipulated here." |