Welsh language TV channel S4C has announced a major expansion in its online and on-demand content offerings.
Launched in 1982, S4C is the UK’s fifth-oldest channel and is available via Sky, Freesat and Digital Terrestrial TV (Freeview and YouView).
Under an agreement struck 3 years ago, it is now funded from the Licence Fee but is independent from the BBC.
Channel bosses today announced deals to bring its content to YouView, TV Catch-up, YouTube and iPlayer where it will be the first non-BBC channel available via the platform.
S4C Chief Executive, Ian Jones, said: “These announcements show that S4C is serious about ensuring that the Channel is available in as many different forms as possible as we move into the digital age.”
The broadcaster already runs its own online on-demand service, Clic, but Jones said it was necessary to “make our programmes available on larger platforms” in order to “raise awareness of S4C and our great programming”/
He added: “I said when taking over as Chief Executive of S4C that we want to strengthen our presence on new platforms significantly, and today’s announcement shows that those changes are taking place.
“But as with technology itself, the development never stops, and S4C will be involved in finding new platforms and new opportunities to showcase our content.”
A YouView spokesperson confirmed that the S4C Player would be available to viewers across the UK.
In a statement released by the BBC, Sian Gwynedd, BBC Cymru Wales’ Head of Welsh Language Programmes and Services, said: “In a global digital market no one can deny the challenge facing the Welsh language but through working in partnership with S4C, we can take advantage of the incredible growth in popularity and usage of BBC iPlayer to bring Welsh language programmes to the largest possible number of viewers.”
