Burnham reiterates call to First Minister for a fairer Welsh media

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th Jun 2008

Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales today called on the First Minister to use his influence to tackle the over-dominance of the BBC in Wales by ensuring that people have access to a wider range of news and current affairs programming. Ms Burnham is concerned over the lack of choice of Welsh centred media available in Wales.

Ms. Burnham said:

"Wales needs media to reflect its own values and culture. A prime example of the casual neglect of Welsh affairs in BBC programming was evident by David Dimbleby's refusal to allow Welsh-focused questioning on Question Time last month, on the basis that it was regional politics that not everyone in the UK would understand. His dismissal of Welsh politics as an interest to other UK viewers is made more galling by the huge coverage given to the London Mayoral elections on his programme.

"I light of these concerns, I look forward to the three Public Consultation Conferences held by the Institute of Welsh Affairs in conjunction with OFCOM this week. They will look at the current Welsh media situation and assess the dominance of the BBC in the Welsh media forum."

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