Hands Off Welsh Language Broadcasting

I am hoping for a good turn-out in Cardiff tomorrow for a rally in support of S4C. Since the Con/Dem coalition government in Westminster announced plans to transfer the purse strings from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to the BBC, concerns have been raised about the future of S4C and indeed, the language itself.

This decision, which is set to come into effect from 2014, was a complete stitch-up between the Con/Dems and BBC bosses in London with no consultation with anyone in Wales. That in itself is reason enough to protest. It makes a complete mockery of the ‘respect’ agenda between Westminster and the Wales that Cameron was keen to trumpet upon entering number 10.

Saturday's rally is not about maintaining the status quo. It has been widely recognised that governance issues at the channel should be looked into and the best way of doing this is in the form of an inquiry. Questions regarding the proposed arrangements remain answered; chief among them is the issue of the channel’s independence. We must avoid an “annual review and an annual bust-up” over the S4C budget as warned by Plaid Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones.

The BBC is set to come under increasing pressure over the coming years to cut back on its budget, as today's strike shows. These are not the best circumstances under which to take control of S4C. Will we see Welsh-language broadcasting become yet another target for the Murdoch media empire and other BBC critics to aim their vitriol at? We have already had a taste of the xenophobic, ignorant, and quite frankly, juvenile attacks that we can expect to be lobbed at S4C with depressing regularity under the proposed arrangements.

Another question. Will S4C be allowed to commission its own programmes under the new arrangements? The removal of autonomy must be opposed vociferously. Plurality in the Welsh media is already a major concern with question marks still lingering over the future of ITV Wales. Any moves that neuter S4C as an independent channel, capable of commissioning its own programmes and forging its own direction, will be a further nail in the coffin of plurality in the Welsh media.

S4C is not only a vital plank for the creative industries of Wales and an important provider of good quality jobs, it is also a cultural institution. With the demand for Welsh medium education increasing in many parts of the country – particularly in areas where the language was almost wiped out a century ago by draconian limits on its use – the children’s programmes on S4C are a vital learning resource. For many children learning through the medium of Welsh in school, S4C provides the only opportunity to hear the language outside of the classroom.

It is for all these reasons that I hope people will turn up and show their support at the rally, arranged by Welsh language pressure group Cymdeithas yr Iaith, at Cathays Park tomorrow. (Meet at 11am).

Let's send a strong message to Culture Minister Jeremy Hunt and his cronies that they can’t get away with treating the Welsh nation and our language like this.

Speaking Welsh at the National Eisteddfod

It was great to be able to pop across to the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale this month. It was billed as an Eisteddfod for the whole of the Heads of the Valley area so I hope people from the Rhondda were able to go along and sample some unique Welsh culture. The week seemed to be a great success with record attendance numbers recorded on the Sunday, weather that was more good than bad and a significant shot in the arm for the local economy.

There were many highlights for me over the days that I visited but the stand-out moment has to be meeting the granddaughter of the legendary singer and political activist, Paul Robeson. I was introduced to Susan Robeson (pictured above) following an excellent lecture that focused on the meeting that took place between her grandfather and Aneurin Bevan at the National Eisteddfod of 1958; which was the last time the event was held in Ebbw Vale.

Mr Robeson, an internationally renowned singer and actor from New Jersey, was also a beacon of light for working class people and the oppressed the world over. A special place in his heart was reserved for the miners of South Wales and the welcome received by Susan Robeson at the Maes is testament to her grandfather’s lasting legacy.

Although I have been to the Eisteddfod many times before, this was the first time I have had the confidence to properly use my Welsh language skills in conversation. What made this Eisteddfod different was a week I recently spent at a Welsh language learners’ ‘bootcamp’ in the glorious Ceredigion seaside village of Tresaith. Over the course of seven days, spoken English was prohibited and we were only allowed to communicate in Welsh. Tutors from the ‘Say Something in Welsh’ course, who organised the ‘bootcamp’, were on hand to help overcome any difficulties. I managed to survive the week and was surprised how much Welsh was in my head, I just needed the confidence to use it. I would wholeheartedly recommend the course, and the internet podcasts from Say Something in Welsh, to any learner.

Businesses oppose regulation shock!

At today's Welsh Language LCO Committee, business representatives called for a voluntary approach to the provision of Welsh language services as opposed to a legislative one. These are the same organisations which have resisted most other forms of regulation from the minimum wage through to measures to protect the environment.

Regulation is needed where the market fails, and many Welsh speakers would agree that the market has failed them and the language. If we are serious about protecting the Welsh language and giving Welsh speakers the freedom to use Welsh in Wales, then there has to be some form of regulation.

The public consultation on the LCO closes on March 20th. Do you have a view? If so, either contact me at leanne.wood@wales.gov.uk, or you can submit comments to swyddfadeddfwriaeth@cymru.gsi.gov.uk or legislationoffice@wales.gov.uk

Welsh language legislation- where should it be decided?

The bid for the Welsh language LCO has gone public. It's an historic occasion which I am hoping will is the start of the process of bringing powers over the language home to Wales. The simple point is that legislation to protect the future of the Welsh language should be made in Wales. This is the most democratic and practical way of making laws which will enhance our status as a bilingual nation, and which will establish linguistic rights for Welsh speakers, placing both of our national languages on an equal footing.

If all goes well, the actual detail of the legislation will be debated in our National Assembly once we get the powers transferred. I am looking forward to that moment.

I've just been informed that I'll be on the Assembly legislation committee responsible for scrutinising the LCO, so watch this space!