S4C Welsh children's channel consultation- Eleanor Burnham comment

4.20.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th May 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport Eleanor Burnham has welcomed a public consultation on S4C's plans for a dedicated new television channel for children in the Welsh language.

The new channel is proposed in light of the fact that despite 41% of children in Wales aged between 5 and 14 now speaking Welsh, S4C is not proving a popular choice with children and young people across Wales.

Ms Burnham said: "I strongly agree with S4C that a dedicated Welsh language service for children and young people is needed at a time when Welsh language use is on the increase in younger age groups.

"The Welsh language is an integral part of our bi-lingual society, and children and younger people have a huge role to play in securing the future of our flourishing Welsh culture.

"I welcome this consultation as a chance to work out the finer detail of how this channel could function, how and when programmes would be broadcast and how it would qualify for a public service remit.

"I understand that the new channel could be broadcast on S4C2, the channel currently hosting National Assembly business. I see no reason why government business can't be communicated to the public by alternative means, either sharing broadcast time with a current channel or being video streamed over the internet.

"Some of the most popular children's' television programmes such as SuperTed and Fireman Sam originate here in Wales. A dedicated Welsh children's' channel from S4C would not only continue this tradition but could help to further educate children and young people and encourage the use of the Heniaith."

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