UK government silent on S4C turmoil, Labour says

The turmoil comes after S4C's chief executive was sacked ahead of a report which alleged she behaved like a dictator

Labour frontbenchers have accused the UK's culture secretary Lucy Frazer of doing nothing to address the crisis at Welsh language broadcaster S4C.

A string of bullying accusations has left the organisation's leadership in turmoil.

Jo Stevens and Thangam Debbonaire said that a "damaging situation" was continuing "unchecked" by the UK government.

In response Ms Frazer said she is taking the matter "very seriously".

In her first public comments on the matter issued late on Tuesday night, the minister said she expects S4C to address issues identified "as a matter of urgency".

But Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts said interference by the UK government by itself "will not solve issues at S4C".

The chief executive of S4C, Sian Doyle, was sacked late last year ahead of the publication of allegations in a report that she behaved like a dictator - accusations she denied.

Her father later blamed S4C and the UK government for his daughter taking an overdose, saying she had been the subject herself of "constant" bullying.

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Chief content officer Llinos Griffin-Williams was also fired after she allegedly told a rugby star that his Welsh skills were not good enough and that she could end his career.

The broadcaster's chairman, Rhodri Williams, has also been accused of acting inappropriately by shouting at Ms Griffin-Williams. He was said to have apologised.

Ultimate control over broadcasting in Wales lies in London. S4C is overseen by its board, the chair of which is appointed by the UK government.

'Cannot be allowed to flounder'

In a joint letter, shadow Welsh secretary Ms Stevens and shadow culture secretary Ms Debbonaire said S4C "cannot be allowed to flounder any further".

Writing to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, the frontbenchers wrote: "Since its inception in 1982, S4C has been an important representation of Welsh society, its people and language."

They said that "recent efforts to modernise the channel have been overshadowed by a series of crises that suggest deep-rooted problems with the organisation's leadership, management and culture, which should be of real concern to you as the responsible Cabinet Minister."

The MPs said "questions remain" about the process that led to the independent report and the sacking of the two senior officers, and whether the S4C board "and interim leadership can swiftly deliver the fundamental changes which are clearly needed to transform the organisation and its working environment".

"However, there has been total silence from you and your department as this unfortunate saga has unfolded.

"We are deeply concerned that this is allowing a damaging situation to continue unchecked."

The letter asked if Ms Frazer would consider "an investigation or rapid review", and that she would "begin to take a more active interest in its situation.

It comes ahead of Rhodri Williams' evidence to the Welsh Affairs Select Committee on Wednesday.

A department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport [DCMS] spokesperson said: "Complaints relating to members of staff are a matter for S4C, which is independent of the government.

"Now that the results of the investigation by Capital Law have been published, we expect S4C to address the issues identified as a matter of urgency.

"As its sponsor department, DCMS has maintained regular contact with S4C throughout this investigation, as well as giving the allegations and concerns raised careful and appropriate consideration. We will continue to do so."

Lucy Frazer's response

In a response, Ms Frazer said: "We take the recent developments at S4C very seriously."

She said officials have been in regular contact with members of S4C's executive team throughout the work by Capital Law, which produced the report on S4C.

"I am concerned with the findings of the report and allegations that have been raised and, as I have made clear several times, I expect S4C to address the issues identified as a matter of urgency."

"I have not met the chair of S4C but my officials regularly liaise with him."

Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Labour in Westminster should support the devolution of broadcasting.

"Interference by the UK Government by itself will not solve issues at S4C," she said.

"Plaid Cymru believes that appointments to and oversight of the S4C board should lie with the Senedd, which runs Welsh language and culture policies, while retaining its independence.

"We should not allow recent issues to undermine S4C's independence as a broadcaster."

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