S4C in Telford

Doesn't this make S4C financially unviable after DSO, as it is surely one of those public service things that looks great on paper but doesn't get a great number of viewers for welsh language stuff in practice?

As has been discussed elsewhere, after digital switchover there will also be a need for space for English language programmes about, and for, Wales, currently positioned on BBC 2W to a large extent.

After switchover, when only the one version of BBC 2 will be available in Wales, I'd like to see S4C retain its major remit of Welsh language programmes for Wales, but utilise its spare hours, no longer used for Channel 4 programmes, for the English language programmes for Wales, displaced from 2W.

Indeed so, but correct me if I'm wrong but I think they get funding from the Welsh Assembley, and don't forget they get the News and Pobol Y Cwm for free from the BBC.

Personally after the switchover in Wales I'd like to see Channel 4 and S4C being both available in Wales.

On digital?

Um, they already are...

My mistake, I thought Channel 4 wasn't available in Wales on Freeview

If you've ever been to Telford, you'll know how desperate the people there are for entertainment!

If you, or anyone else, is ever in any doubt as to what's on DTT where, then go here. And bookmark it. And worship it.

There was some talk of this last autumn when S4C was celebrating its 25th anniversary, but there don't seem to be any plans to do that. It would lead to some interesting and difficult questions......
Where would these programmes be in the schedule - if as suggested in place of the current C4 programmes, that would mean outside peak time.
Who would pay for these English language programmes? If it was BBC Wales, who would have editoral control - S4C or BBC Wales. If not, would that mean less money for Welsh language programming?
And what would happen to the opt outs on BBC One Wales and BBC Two Wales? Would they continue? What about ITV Wales programming?
Plus there aren't really many spare hours on S4C's digital service (which, of course, will be the main S4C service after DSO), particuarly now that the new childrens' service, Cyw, has been launched

Actually it's funded by the Westminster government (through the Department of Culture, Media & Sport) rather than the Assembly. Plus S4C gets around 10 hours a week for free from BBC Wales - which includes some sport, young peoples programming and documentaries as well as Pobol Y Cwm and Newyddion (News)

Well now you raise interesting points.

As attractive as the prospect of Sara and Derek's Great Welsh Cardigans [etc] continuing forevermore, no article I have read so far corroborates the idea of S4C being a bilingual channel following DSO.

I understand S4C came into some money through selling something to do with a mux or somesuch and the subsequent investment, as mentioned, in children's programming is deliberate and clever.

What is more, S4C have agreed with BBC Wales a greater influence on production, and internet/podcasts/whatnot are apparently increasing reach and viewing figures [mind you that includes abroad].

I shall miss their car crash opting in and out of Big Brother though, and the not-forgotten Windows based closedown screens.

Notably the Saturday night rugby. It even goes so far as for cross-promotion to occur on BBC1 Wales for S4C - both in programmes and stand-alone advertising clips.

E.G: "Next Friday we've got the Ospreys vs Leinster here on BBC2W, while on Saturday Cardiff will face Llanelli on S4C."