Committee publication · Correspondence · 22 April 2026
Correspondence to and from the Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts, relating to the appointment process for the Chair of S4C, dated 25 March and 13 April 2026
From: Welsh Affairs Committee
Summary
Correspondence between the Welsh Affairs Committee Chair and the Minister for Creative Industries regarding the S4C Chair appointment process. The Committee expressed concern that recent DCMS correspondence with the Senedd about potential changes was not shared with Westminster committees. The Minister clarifies that the formal appointment process remains unchanged under the Broadcasting Act 1990, though the Senedd may invite candidates to advisory hearings. He commits to future consultation with both the Welsh Affairs and Culture committees.
Key findings
- Welsh Affairs Committee was not copied into recent DCMS correspondence with the Senedd about S4C Chair appointments, contrary to established practice since 2011.
- Minister previously stated (September 2025) current appointment processes 'worked well' with 'no plans to change', but has now indicated flexibility on Senedd involvement.
- Government confirms formal appointment process remains unchanged under Broadcasting Act 1990 (amended by Media Act 2024), with Secretary of State retaining statutory responsibility.
- Minister proposes allowing Senedd to hold advisory hearings on S4C chair candidates, with findings shared to inform government and Westminster committees, but without veto power.
- Minister commits to copying Welsh Affairs Committee and Culture, Media and Sport Committee on all future S4C appointment correspondence.
Government position
Accepts the core concern about consultation and commits to future notification of both Westminster committees. Partially accepts potential for process evolution by permitting advisory Senedd hearings (not previously mentioned) but rejects any formal change to statutory appointment powers, which remain with the Secretary of State under reserved broadcasting powers. Reaffirms commitment to Cabinet Office guidance and House of Commons scrutiny primacy.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Ruth Jones MP, Ian Murray MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Jo Stevens MP, Delyth Jewell MS, Delyth Evans, Jeremy Hunt, Welsh Affairs Committee, Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Notable line
“Broadcasting is a reserved matter and the Secretary of State will retain the statutory responsibility for making these appointments.”
Key Quotes
“It was therefore disappointing that neither the Welsh Affairs Committee nor the Culture, Media and Sport Committee were copied into your recent correspondence with the Senedd.”
“I would appreciate an explanation on why you now believe the appointment process should be changed.”
“Broadcasting is a reserved matter and the Secretary of State will retain the statutory responsibility for making these appointments.”
“I have expressed that I would not object to the Senedd Committee inviting future proposed S4C chair candidates to their own hearing on an advisory basis.”
“Moving forward, I will ensure that both Committees, along with the Wales Office, will be copied into all relevant correspondence.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗