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BBC Wales Management Review 2018/19
Management Review 2018/19 – Wales “Therecord levels of online and mobile usage achieved over the last year show how quickly BBC Wales is adapting to the new media landscape.” If you wish to find out more about the BBC’s year – including full financial statements and performance against other public commitments – then please visit www.bbc.co.uk/annualreport
Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
Director’s The record levels of online and mobile
usage achieved over the last year show
Hidden Wales and The 1900 Island
were also major network successes.
Introduction how quickly BBC Wales is adapting to
the new media landscape.
Looking ahead, I believe our move to
Central Square in Cardiff city centre
The number of requests to view BBC later this year will help accelerate our
Wales’ content on BBC iPlayer transformation from a traditional
increased three-fold to 44 million in broadcaster to a multi-media
2018 while the number of weekly publisher delivering services across
browsers to BBC Wales’ news online mobile, online and social media –
service increased 18% year-on-year. alongside our radio and TV services.
Downloads of Radio Wales and Radio
The new technology and facilities will
Cymru programmes also saw an
not only help us get much closer to
increase of 50% for the same period.
our audiences, they’ll also radically
Alongside this digital growth, we’re change the way we think about
arguably seeing more of Wales on UK creativity and programming. It’s a
screens than ever before – thanks in once in a generation opportunity –
part to £8.5m of new content and we’re determined to grab it.
investment announced two years ago.
Keeping Faith and Hidden, for example,
are the two most successful locally-
commissioned dramas ever produced
by BBC Wales and both were ranked
in the BBC iPlayer top 10 dramas last
year. In factual, Back in Time for the Rhodri Talfan Davies
Factory, Land of the Wild, Hayley, Director, BBC Wales
1
Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
Two
minute
summary
Facts and figures about the performance and output
of BBC Wales’ English language television programmes
Top Ten Broadcast Series Top Five Individual Broadcast Programmes
English language series English language programmes
Rugby Union Autumn Internationals 492,000 Sam Warburton: Full Contact 272,000
Wales Today at 6.30pm 210,000 The Brecon Beacons with Iolo Williams (rpt) 232,000
Pitching In 204,000 Scrum V – How Wales Won the Grand Slam 211,000
Six Nations Sin Bin 180,000 Eddie Butler's Six Nations 205,000
Hidden 167,000 Weatherman Walking: Dylan's Walks (rpt) 190,000
The Crash Detectives 165,000
Average audience across all episodes
X-Ray (Oct-Dec) 148,000 Source: BARB
Figures include any repeats in the same week
Children's Ward 145,000
Scrum V Six Nations Special 138,000
Secret Life of Farm Animals 135,000
Top Ten Series on BBC iPlayer Top Ten Programmes on BBC iPlayer
English language series English language programmes
Keeping Faith 12,160,344 Dark Son: The Hunt for a Serial Killer 566,118
Hidden 11,731,271 Critical: Inside Intensive Care 289,812
Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience 1,323,908 Sam Warburton: Full Contact 210,132
The Crash Detectives 1,081,870 Mad About Elvis 130,367
Rugby Union Autumn Internationals 1,023,128 Women’s World Cup Qualifier: Wales v England 127,964
BBC Wales Today 916,992 The Toddlers Who Took on Dementia 113,668
Back in Time For the Factory 771,363 The NHS: To Provide All People 113,204
Scrum V 698,476 The Tuckers 86,247
High Hopes 630,274 Puppy Love 85,976
BBC Wales Investigates 608,318 Our Lives: Snowdonia Shepherdess 76,708
Number of requests on BBC iPlayer Number of requests on BBC iPlayer
2
Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
Two
minute
summary
Facts and figures about the performance
and output of BBC Wales content on S4C
Top Ten Broadcast Series Top Five Individual Broadcast Programmes
Series on S4C Programmes on S4C
Pobol y Cwm 41,000 Goreuon Campau Cymru 2018 17,000
Clwb Rygbi (Pro 14 Matches) 30,000 Bryn Fon a PTSD 15,000
Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol: Chwe Gwlad 25,000 Newyddion y Flwyddyn 2018 15,000
Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol: Gemau'r Hydref 25,000 Stand Yp Cymru 13,000
Clwb Rygbi (Principality Matches) 20,000 Camp Lawn Cymru 2019 13,000
Yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol: Mwy o'r Maes 19,000
Average audience across all episodes
Yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol: Noson o Gystadlu 18,000 Source: BARB
Figures include any repeats in the same week
Newyddion 9 15,000
Yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol: Seremonïau 15,000
Pawb a'i Farn 14,000
Top Ten Series on BBC iPlayer and Clic
Series on S4C
Pobol y Cwm 1,170,000
Clwb Rygbi 147,500
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2019 72,000
Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol: Chwe Gwlad 67,000
Newyddion 9 51,000
Newyddion S4C (bulletins) 16,000
Newyddion a Chwaraeon 11,000
Ffeil 11,500
Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol: Gemau'r Hydref 12,000
Pawb a'i Farn 6,000
Number of requests on BBC iPlayer and Clic
3
Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
BBC One Wales and
BBC Two Wales
Additional Charter investment has Working closely with the newly Back in Time for the Factory was a
allowed BBC Wales to invest in established BBC Writersroom Wales landmark piece of television made
drama, as well as broadening the the ‘Find Me Funny’ initiative saw with stunning ambition and scale,
portfolio with new comedy and almost 350 new writers from across re-telling the story of the “factory
standout factual content. Wales pitch their ideas for their first girls” of the south Wales valleys.
It was another year of strong comedy pilot mini-series. Hidden Wales, and Secret Life of Farm
drama. It began with Hidden. Set This year, our coverage of the Six Animals proved popular with
in Snowdonia and the surrounding Nations took us beyond the pitch. audiences especially on BBC iPlayer.
areas, this Cymru-noir drama was As well as our comprehensive match This year saw a focus on younger
enjoyed by audiences across the UK, day coverage, Eddie Butler gave us a audiences in drama and comedy as
with viewing figures of around 10 look ahead as well as expert analysis well as in factual with content such
million on BBC iPlayer. The NHS: To on Scrum V, whilst the powerful and as Dirty Vegan, Hayley, and Help! We’re
Provide All People a film poem written poignant biopic Sam Warburton: Full Having a Baby.
by Owen Sheers became the Contact was an unique insight into
centrepiece of the BBC’s celebration the physical and mental strain of life
of the NHS at 70, with a stellar cast in the rugby limelight.
of stars such as Eve Myles, Michael
Epic: Wales v England ’99 gave us
Sheen, Jonathan Pryce and Dame
a trip down memory lane and a
Siân Phillips. BBC Wales also
Tourist Trap: Six Nations Special
welcomed some of the biggest
saw the hapless staff of Wow! Wales
names in television to its screens in
make a hash of another marketing
Pitching In which featured a raft of
campaign. We also brought Sin Bin
well-known stars.
back for a second series after it
established itself as a popular show.
It’s been an extraordinary year in Dirty Vegan with
Matt Pritchard
politics and our programmes have
been at the heart of the action.
BBC Wales Live continues to deliver
expert analysis both here in Wales and New programmes have contributed
in Westminster. We gained privileged to record-breaking growth in
access to the Cardiff Bay corridors BBC Wales’ online audiences.
of power in Being First Minister, which The popularity of new programmes,
followed Carwyn Jones’ final days in such as Keeping Faith and Hidden led
office. BBC Wales Investigates is now to an almost threefold increase in the
Hidden number of requests to view, rising
an established brand with a track
record of uncovering some of the from around 14 million in 2017 to
most powerful stories on television. 44 million in 2018. Meanwhile, more
This year saw the arrival of new of BBC Wales’ content than ever
comedy for BBC Wales – the first We re-invigorated our factual slate of before is being broadcast on network,
for many years. Sally Phillips starred programmes with a renewed focus on including programmes such as
in mockumentary Tourist Trap, great documentaries. Critical: Inside Keeping Faith, Hidden, and Sam
kicking off a season of comedy that Intensive Care and Dark Son: The Hunt and Shauna’s Big Cook-Out.
spanned the genre from stand-up For a Serial Killer are standout
to sitcom. Two pilot shows, In My Skin examples where unparalleled access
(a co-commission with BBC Three) and candid interviews presented an
and The Tuckers were superb unique perspective.
examples of the resurgence of
broadcast comedy.
4
Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
BBC network
spend in Wales
Wales continues to provide some BBC network drama production Network radio in Wales
of the BBC’s best-loved programmes, The BBC’s drama base at Roath Lock BBC Wales supplied high quality
from drama to factual on TV continues to be a powerhouse of programmes for network radio
and radio. creativity, providing iconic drama for throughout the year.
Factual content the BBC’s network audience. Radio drama was dominated by a
Wales was featured prominently on All eyes were on Doctor Who in number of new and returning series
network channels over the last year October for its much-anticipated which saw the team make further
as the nation continues to play a relaunch. Jodie Whittaker stepped inroads into the digital space. Tracks:
central role in the BBC’s narrative. into the TARDIS as the thirteenth Chimera was one of Radio 4’s drama
This includes a number of varied Doctor, and first female Doctor, to events of the year and helped to
factual commissions such as Hidden critical acclaim, and there has been launch BBC Sounds.
Wales with Will Millard, The Secret a changing of the guard behind the Curious Under the Stars became
Life of Farm Animals and Andrew scenes too with Chris Chibnall taking a mainstay on Radio 4 with four
Davies: Re-writing the Classics and over as the new show runner. series being produced during the year.
co-commissions including Back in Meanwhile Casualty also had another The Mabinogi series was launched
Time for the Factory and The 1900 great year, taking the BAFTA for the on Radio 3, and was also available
Island. Produced with the support Best Soap and Continuing Drama. A as a podcast.
of the talented independent sector special crossover with Holby City saw At the Audio Drama Awards Eve
in Wales, these titles generated characters from both series interact Myles took Best Actress for her role in
significant audiences and brought and storylines intertwine over two, the radio drama 19 Weeks. Meanwhile
new and interesting stories about action-packed episodes. A challenge two members of the Welsh Voices
Wales to television screens UK-wide. for scriptwriters and crew alike, this group, which is run by Writersroom
Elsewhere, some of the BBC’s most was a dramatic highlight Wales, gained their first Radio 4
prestigious musical output is centred of the year. commissions.
in Wales. This year it included BBC Elsewhere, the BBC’s first eight-part The network radio factual team
Young Musician – a competition which adaptation of Philip Pullman’s His produced a number of notable
has developed a reputation for Dark Materials trilogy continues. programmes for Radio 4 and Radio 3
finding the superstars of the future Produced by Bad Wolf, this much- and also won commissions from BBC
– whilst Colwyn Bay played host to anticipated series is being filmed World Service. Highlights included
the BBC Proms in the Park Wales, in Wolf Studios Wales in Cardiff. programmes about devolution;
a cultural highlight of the year.
Meanwhile, many of BBC Wales’ Trampolene front man Jack Jones;
programmes have been seen on women in Welsh culture, and Welsh
network for viewers across the UK writers at Hay.
to enjoy, including popular drama
series such as Keeping Faith,
Pitching In and Hidden.
Back in Time for the Factory
5
Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
BBC Wales
on S4C
Brexit dominated the news agenda The review programmes Goreuon The BBC’s longest running television
throughout the year as news Campau Cymru and Camp Lawn 2019 soap continues to be one of the
programming continued to be an celebrated Welsh sporting success main cornerstones of the S4C
integral part of BBC Wales’ provision during the year. schedule and there is a close working
for S4C. Almost 90 hours of live coverage relationship between BBC Wales,
Working with S4C executives in are provided annually from the BBC Studios producers and S4C
reviewing the editorial brief of the National Eisteddfod. executives in shaping the editorial
main evening programme, Newyddion direction of the series. When
The open Maes format of the festival appropriate, additional supporting
9, there is continued focus on original
held in Cardiff Bay in August 2018 programmes are also commissioned.
Welsh stories. Coverage of special
enabled some changes to the This year, in Bryn Fôn a PTSD, the
events this year included live coverage
scheduling and presentation of actor and musician researched the
of the celebrations in Cardiff following
programmes and an increase in the condition suffered by his character
Geraint Thomas’ historic win in the
breadth of the coverage. The 10 day in the soap, Dr Elgan. Priodasau
Tour de France 2018 and Cymru’n
festival was launched on S4C with Cwmderi delved into the rich archive
Cofio 2018, the National Service of
Croeso i’r Eisteddfod in which actress of the series and took a lighthearted
Remembrance from Llandaf
and presenter Ffion Dafis looked look at the eventful weddings
Cathedral marking 100 years since
at some of the fringe events and featured in the series.
the end of the First World War.
introduced some of the key
Early in 2019, the audience debate individuals involved in the festival. Another distinctive one-off
programme Pawb a’i Farn gave voice Daily programmes included live commission this year was the
to issues affecting communities coverage from the competition stages documentary Zimbabwe Taid a Fi,
across Wales with questions about as well as highlights from the huge in which BBC World Service journalist
Brexit coming to the fore in every variety of cultural activities organised Seren Jones returned to Zimbabwe,
episode. Live coverage was provided across the week. where her mother was born and
from the conferences of the main where her grandfather Sekuru is
During the week of the National buried, and secured an exclusive
political parties in Wales. With input
Eisteddfod Pobol y Cwm fans were interview with the new President of
from the National Centre for Learning
given the opportunity to visit the Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Welsh Yr Wythnos, was introduced,
Cwmderi set at Roath Lock.
a series looking back at some of the
news stories of the week with English
subtitles and on-screen vocabulary
broadcast as part of S4C’s Sunday
morning slot for learners.
Coverage of weekly Pro 14 rugby
fixtures and Wales International
games from the Autumn Test series
and the Six Nations Championships
form the core of our Sport provision
for S4C, delivered within the Clwb
Rygbi strand. This year, we added live
coverage of three Women’s Six
Nations games and three Wales
Under 20’s matches, as well as
highlights of the Wales tour to Zimbabwe Taid a Fi
Argentina and a number of Welsh
Premiership rugby games.
6
Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
BBC Wales News and
Current Affairs
At a time when the news agenda Reinvestment has also led to the A new presenting team for BBC Wales
is changing more rapidly than ever, strengthening of our specialist Today saw Nick Servini and Jennifer
BBC Wales’ newsroom has journalism team, with new Jones join Lucy Owen to front the
strengthened its output, reaching correspondents across the Social lunchtime, evening and late bulletins
a wider audience than ever before. Affairs, Home Affairs and Sport briefs. on BBC One Wales.
Changing audience patterns are now Dedicated Brexit roles allowed our daily The BBC Wales Investigates strand
clear. While overall TV news reach fell, news services to offer comprehensive continued to make its mark, delivering
social media and online services coverage of ongoing negotiations in a number of ambitious and impactful
continued to grow strongly. Europe and Westminster and the stories. Undercover investigations
potential implications on the ground exposed a network of badger baiters
English language output has focussed
in Wales. operating in Wales as part of a six
on further strengthening the quality
and range of our stories as well as our Our news programmes decamped to month investigation into the illegal
video storytelling. These changes led College Green to present programmes practice. The team also went
to an increase of 18% in the weekly on a number of critical days, to provide undercover to shine a light on the
reach of the service in 2018 as well as the audience with a Wales perspective extent of labour exploitation and
an increase in reach and engagement on events in Westminster. modern day slavery in Wales. Other
on social media. In Welsh, the Cymru Beyond Brexit, major political stories programmes investigated spycops;
Fyw team has focussed in Wales included the election of Mark the rise of the far right in Wales, the
on its digital video and social offer. Drakeford as First Minister during a impact of county lines drug operations
year that saw all major political parties and an investigation into a Cardiff man
Changes introduced in March to the
in Wales change leaders. Coverage of at the centre of a network which sent
main news homepage (bbc.co.uk/news)
the inquest into Carl Sargeant’s death funds to Isis.
now delivers a tailor-made service for
signed-in users in Wales that blends was led by BBC Wales’ new political
the biggest global, UK and Welsh editor Felicity Evans. Other major
stories in one integrated menu giving stories included flooding, the
users a news homepage that reflects suspension of the Wylfa Newydd
the particular needs of users in Wales. nuclear project and the rejection
of the Swansea Tidal Lagoon project.
This year saw the News team launch
its first major podcast series. Shreds There was considerable interest
is an innovative collaboration between in the coverage of the tragic death
the investigations team and BBC Audio of Emiliano Sala in an aeroplane
Drama department and tells the full crash in January. Our teams reported
story of the Lynette White murder and on unfolding events in the days and
the subsequent miscarriage of justice weeks following the disappearance
BBC Wales Live
in a way it hasn’t been told before. of the plane.
The news services also reflected
sporting success in Wales, delivering BBC Wales Live delivered a number
comprehensive coverage of Wales’ of impactful original stories during
grand slam win as well as Geraint the year. Stories on forced marriage,
Thomas’ historic victory in the conjoined twins and the suicide of
Tour de France. Delivering extended a university lecturer engaged
coverage of the homecoming event audiences across the UK, including
across all platforms, thousands a high proportion of younger adults.
Shreds of people lined the streets of
Cardiff to celebrate the win. Across all platforms, the focus
continues to be on achieving high-
impact journalism, delivering engaging
stories to audiences across Wales,
about the issues that matter to them.
7
Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
Sport at
BBC Wales
Undoubtedly Geraint Thomas winning Comprehensive coverage of Guinness
the 2018 Tour De France before being Pro14 rugby continues despite the
crowned BBC Sports Personality of loss of the TV broadcast rights.
the Year were highlights this year. Scrum V now regularly features HD
BBC Wales Sport captured the key coverage of the semi-professional
moments from the twenty three day Principality Premiership on BBC
race with BBC Wales’ commentator, Two Wales.
Gareth Rhys Owen bringing all the Beyond football and rugby, BBC
action to listeners of Radio Wales, Wales continues to offer coverage of
Radio Cymru and Radio Five Live, a variety of sports, including athletics,
as well as compelling podcasts. ice hockey, boxing, swimming,
Thousands of people lined the streets motorsport and horse racing.
of Cardiff for Geraint’s triumphant
BBC Wales once again produced
homecoming.
the Wales Sport Awards in
Sam Warburton
Elsewhere, it was a dramatic year Full Contact collaboration with Sport Wales –
for Welsh football. BBC Wales was a chance to celebrate the best
on hand to offer all the highlights, of Welsh sporting talents from
including Newport County’s fairy-tale The range of coverage around the grassroots to elite sport. Geraint
FA cup run, Cardiff City’s fight to stay 2019 Six Nations Championship, Thomas was crowned BBC Wales
in the Premiership and Swansea City’s including Six Nations Sin Bin, Sam Sports Personality and Baroness
play-off bid under its new manager. Warburton: Full Contact and Tourist Tanni Grey-Thompson received
There was multi-platform coverage Trap Six Nations Special achieved the Lifetime Achievement Award.
of the national team’s games in significant audience impact including
The BBC Sport website and social
Denmark, Republic of Ireland, a near record of over one million
media platforms continue to be a
Albania, and Spain with continuing viewers for the crucial Wales v Ireland
hub of digital innovation with a focus
comprehensive coverage of the Euro tournament decider.
on younger audiences, distinctive
qualifiers. There were also live The Wales v England fixture attracted short-form storytelling and live
streams of the New Saints fixtures 734,000 in Wales – 69 % of the streaming.
in the UEFA Champions League available audience. On average, over
qualifying matches. Elis James’ Feast of Football podcast
250,000 viewers watched the
goes from strength to strength
The Wales Women’s football team’s concluding Scrum V Six Nations in
including special recordings in front
bid to make it to the 2019 World The Club to review the campaign, and
of live audiences. It was awarded a
Cup captured the imagination. An Steve Spiers’ Scrum V videos topped
Finalist Certificate at the New York
audience of 1.1 million watched on a million views on Facebook. Radio
Festival’s World’s Best Radio Awards.
BBC 2 across the UK as the team Wales, Radio Cymru and TV news all
missed out at the final hurdle in a broadcast the team’s homecoming BBC Wales covered the 2018 Cardiff
defeat by England at Rodney Parade. celebrations live from the Senedd. Half Marathon, which marked the
60th anniversary of the 1958 Cardiff
The Women’s rugby match against
Commonwealth Games.
Italy was available to watch on the
Red Button and their game against Glamorgan’s 2018 campaign enjoyed
Scotland was on Scrum V Live. ball by ball coverage via the BBC
Sport website and app.
8Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
BBC Radio Wales
In 2018, BBC Radio Wales celebrated
40 years on air. The anniversary was
an opportunity to head out of the
studio to say thank you to audiences
across Wales.
Throughout the birthday week,
presenters took to the road on a
special bus tour. Jason Mohammad,
Eleri Sion and Wynne Evans were just
some of the presenters to broadcast
live from the on-board studio in
Aberdare, Kittle, Llandrindod Wells,
Barmouth and Connah’s Quay. The
pinnacle of the celebrations was a BBC Radio Wales
celebrated 40 years on air
gala night of music and comedy at the
Swansea Grand Theatre.
The BBC delivered its promise to outside broadcasts telling the story and a host of other programmes
extend Radio Wales’ FM coverage to of the health service today. across the festival weekend.
an additional 400,000 people across During major weather events, our In the station’s 40th year, programmes
Wales, taking its reach from 79% audiences often depend on Radio have broadcast from events in every
of households in Wales to 91%, Wales’ news programmes for crucial part of Wales, including the Rhyl
with listeners in north-east and local updates, and this year’s Beast Airshow, the National Eisteddfod, the
mid Wales benefiting the most from the East was no exception. Green Man Festival, the Hay Festival,
from the expansion. Swansea’s Biggest Weekend, Proms
It was an incredible year of Welsh
There was also digital growth as sport and Radio Wales was there for in the Park from Colwyn Bay, the
the number of Radio Wales podcast all the highlights. There was live Porthcawl Elvis Festival, Focus
downloads reached 1.7 million in coverage of Geraint Thomas winning Wales in Wrexham and the Royal
2018, with a further 2.6 million the Tour De France, full commentary Welsh Show.
requests for our programmes online. of Wales winning the Six Nations 2018 saw the launch of BBC Sounds,
However despite online growth, the Grand Slam and every kick of the ball the BBC’s internet streaming, catch-
radio audience landscape continues in Newport County’s incredible run in up, and radio service which brings
to be challenging, prompting changes the FA Cup. together live radio, music playlists
to the Radio Wales breakfast news Radio Wales provided commentary and podcasts. Many Radio Wales
programme. of every Wales football game after podcasts are proving popular,
Ryan Giggs took over as coach of the including Elis James’ Feast of Football
Elsewhere, there was significant
men’s national team. The station also and the Monday night comedy
audience and industry change in
followed the Wales Women’s team in programmes.
Wales with major commercial
broadcasters ending locally-produced their bid to qualify for the 2019
breakfast programming. World Cup.
News and current affairs continues to Radio Wales has always been proud
be at the heart of Radio Wales output. to support Welsh comedy writers and
This year, the station has provided performers. In addition to fresh
comprehensive coverage of major sitcoms and stand-up shows the
stories through our daily news station supported Welsh comedy
programmes, including Brexit and further by entering into a new
the various party leadership changes partnership with Machynlleth Comedy
across Welsh politics. News Festival. The collaboration saw the
programmes also joined the rest of creation of the BBC Radio Wales Arena
the station in marking 70 years of the at the festival, which included a special
NHS with an ambitious series of live show with comedian Rhod Gilbert
9Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
BBC Radio Cymru
It has been a year of innovation Meanwhile Radio Cymru’s listening
and change for BBC Radio Cymru, figures continue to indicate that the
a year when the station has sought station is attracting a strong audience.
opportunities to reach new audiences It continues to be the most listened to
and explore the potential offered by station for fluent Welsh speakers.
new platforms. Radio Cymru attracted around
Following the launch of a second 120,000 listeners every week and the
Welsh language radio service in BBC received around a million online
requests for the station’s programmes. Dafydd a Caryl
January 2018, Radio Cymru 2’s offer
of quality entertainment and music Crucially, we remain determined to
has generated increased awareness provide a wealth of high quality
Griffiths and Rhys Meirion,
of the service, accumulating in a programmes for our listeners through
accompanied by the BBC National
tour across the nation in February the Welsh language. In what has been
Orchestra of Wales.
by Y Sioe Frecwast to mark the an incredibly busy political year, the
station’s first year of broadcasting. station has been ambitious in its The recording of ‘Titw Tomos Las’ by
journalistic content – choosing to Hogia’r Wyddfa, Band Pres Llareggub
The online requests for Radio Cymru 2
disrupt its usual schedule to bring its and Siddi, was a memorable tribute to
to BBC platforms, which indicate that
audiences live updates and analysis cyclist Geraint Thomas during the Tour
the station is succeeding in reaching
from Westminster, Brussels and Cardiff de France, and was subsequently
younger audiences, has been an
Bay on events relating to Brexit. played during the celebrations of his
important boost to the team seeking
achievement in the competition on the
to promote the new station as a source A desire to be present at events
steps of the Senedd during the National
of chat, fun and music. For the first of national significance led us to
Eisteddfod in August 2018.
time, audiences now have a real choice eisteddfodau and a number of other
in the mornings between great shows and festivals throughout last The Radio Cymru sports team were
journalism on Radio Cymru, and light summer. Radio Cymru’s co-productions also involved in some of our biggest
hearted music-based entertainment with the BBC National Orchestra of events of the year – not least the Six
on Radio Cymru 2. Having two Welsh Wales have also provided the station Nations Competition and the
language radio stations also means with incredible musical highlights subsequent celebration event with
more Welsh-language music is played from concerts in Bangor, Llandudno the First Minister and Llywydd of the
on the BBC than ever before more and in Cardiff. National Assembly, which was
Welsh-language music on the BBC broadcast live on the station in a
Being part of a community is
than ever before. special programme from Cardiff Bay.
important to Radio Cymru listeners,
Another opportunity to reach new and this sense of belonging has All of this was of course captured on
Welsh language audiences emerged been reinforced throughout the Cymru Fyw too and by our new central
in 2018 through the advent of BBC year by key moments. social media team which has allowed
Sounds. This year, the station launched us to produce new forms of content
The ‘Pawen Lawen’ tour by Aled and reach more diverse audiences.
its first ever commissioning round for
Hughes in November 2018 led to There has also been greater cross-
unique and bespoke content for the
45,114 ‘high fives’ being captured platform cooperation between our
service, aimed primarily at those aged
from children and adults across audio and online teams in the
under 35. This has prompted a huge
Wales, as well as leading to 377 development and promotion of stories
number of new ideas from individuals,
audience generated videos and visits and ideas – and we look forward to
groups and companies – some of
to 39 schools. taking this collaboration a step further
whom are venturing to the world of
audio production for the very first Our commemorations to mark the when the teams work together when
time. As a result, a number of new and end of the First World War included the station moves to its new home in
exciting podcasts will be launched on Rhyfelgan, which took the audience Cardiff in Central Square.
BBC Sounds in Welsh throughout on a journey through the songs and
2019/20. voices of the Great War. Narrated by
our team of presenters the songs were
performed by Shân Cothi, Trystan Llŷr
10Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
BBC National Orchestra &
Chorus of Wales
April 2018 saw BBC National Other festival appearances this year part of a celebratory opening
Orchestra of Wales celebrate 90 included Aldeburgh Festival, St Davids weekend for the St Fagans
years of music with its first live- Cathedral Festival and Swansea Redevelopment Project. The
streamed concert from BBC International Festival, as well as orchestra’s celebration of Wales’
Hoddinott Hall. Cheltenham Festival with Sheku rich cultural heritage continued in
The concert took audiences on Kanneh-Mason. A new collaboration its annual St David’s Day concert,
a journey through the BBC NOW between Gruff Rhys and BBC NOW which explored the life of the nation’s
archive and celebrated its historic saw a sell-out gig to almost 2000 patron saint in a world premiere
moments . The installation of a people as part of Festival of Voice at of Vita Davidis by Welsh composer
multi-camera system in BBC Wales Millennium Centre to launch Gareth Glyn performed by Catrin
Hoddinott Hall has enabled BBC Rhys’ new album Babelsburg. Finch. Leader of the orchestra Lesley
NOW to reach a bigger and more In a first for BBC NOW, the orchestra Hatfield and Principal Cello Alice
diverse audience online, opening joined S4C’s Cyw to present a series Neary were also honoured to
up the concert hall experience and of concerts aimed at nursery children represent Wales and BBC NOW at the
enabling more people to enjoy the and younger families. The five Royal Wedding in May forming part of
orchestra’s work. This season, concerts, which marked Cyw’s tenth a small ensemble accompanying
audiences on both BBC iPlayer and birthday, took place in BBC Hoddinott soprano Elin Manahan Thomas.
Facebook were able to watch live Hall as part of the National Eisteddfod International touring this year saw
streams of the world premiere of and were broadcast on S4C. BBC the orchestra fostering creative
Mass via Victrix [1914-1918] by NOW also featured in BBC Four’s collaborations between China and
composer Stanford – marking 100 Discovering… series, in which Katie Wales, supported by Wales Arts
years since the end of the First World Derham and members of the International. Performances took
War – and Berlioz’s L’enfance du Christ orchestra introduced Benjamin place in the National Centre for the
conducted by Sir Andrew Davis. In Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to Performing Arts in Beijing, Changsha
January 2019, the orchestra marked the Orchestra, a classic of the concert Concert Hall and Qintai Concert Hall
ten years since moving into its home hall frequently performed to children in Wuhan with soloists Chinese
in Hoddinott Hall and this new system and adults alike. harpist Shimeng Sun and BBC NOW’s
is an evolution of how its musicians Principal Flute Matthew Featherstone.
use this world class recording studio, In a second concert in Beijing, the
concert hall and rehearsal space. orchestra welcomed Chinese guest
During the summer, BBC NOW made soloist, cellist Jiapeng Nie to perform
its annual journey to the BBC Proms Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations. The
in London. In 2018 we marked 100 final concert of the tour in Shenzhen
years since the death of Welsh Concert Hall saw BBC NOW perform
composer Morfydd Owen and the alongside musicians from the
orchestra’s performance of Owen’s Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. This
Nocturne brought her music to the first time collaboration between the
fore at the BBC Proms. This Prom was two orchestras provided an opportunity
also a landmark moment for Radio for cultural exchange between
Cymru who broadcast the orchestra’s musicians, and built creative links for
concert live from the Royal Albert future activity in China. The orchestra
Hall for the first time. Joined by no was led by BBC NOW’s Principal
fewer than five choirs – BBC National Cyw a’r Gerddorfa Guest conductor, Xian Zhang, who
Chorus of Wales, BBC Symphony was touring her home country with
Chorus, London Symphony Chorus a European symphony orchestra for
and Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs In a world premiere installation and the first time and formed part of the
– the finale of Thomas Søndergård’s music piece by Welsh composer John British Council’s Inspiring Women
tenure as BBC NOW’s Principal Rea, BBC NOW brought the sound in the Arts campaign.
Conductor was on a grand symphonic and image archive of St Fagans
scale with Mahler’s eighth symphony. National Museum of History alive as
11Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
BBC Digital
Personalisation has been central to Contributors range from Wrexham The digital drama slate continues to
the BBC’s digital activities over the spoken word artist, Evrah Rose; grow with high quality digital content
last year with a focus on encouraging Katy Gough who vlogs about to accompany world class BBC
more people to create and sign-in to Autism and Asperger’s; and dramas such as Doctor Who, Luther
BBC accounts. comedians Leroy Brito and Ignacio and Les Miserables. The content won
Securing prominence for key Lopez have all produced two Promax Awards in 2018/19, for
BBC Wales titles on the BBC iPlayer videos which have generated over Peaky Blinders and Requiem.
homepage has seen increased three million views. BBC Sesh has The team also delivered a Doctor Who
prominence followed by impressive also been involved in outreach Live Lesson – an activity aimed at
viewing figures for programmes sessions and workshops across enriching the curriculum for learners
such as Keeping Faith and Hidden. Wales, staged a stand-up comedy aged 7-11 across the UK and a
The number of requests for BBC night for emerging comedians and valuable resource for teachers.
Wales content on iPlayer trebled collaborated with BBC Radio 1.
during 2018. This year has also seen impressive
This year has seen more tailored growth in the BBC Wales Facebook
content on the bbc.co.uk homepage and Twitter accounts as it continues
for signed-in audiences in Wales. to broaden its appeal.
Users now see a brilliant blend of the On Facebook, the average
very best the BBC has to offer be that number of weekly engaged users
from Wales, the UK or further afield. and videos views is four times higher
Bitesize and Learning is an area than 2017/18. Similarly, the
where location matters – as there @BBCWales Twitter account has
is significant difference between also more than doubled the average
the curriculum in different parts number of weekly engagements, and
of the UK. trebled the average number of
weekly video views.
In that context, Bitesize continues
to serve audiences the length and We worked in partnership with S4C
breadth of Wales. This year has seen and National Eisteddfod to test how AR y Maes app
the addition of new content across Augmented Reality (AR) could be
a number of GCSE subject areas, used to deliver content to audiences
including Religious Studies, during a major event. The bilingual
Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Physics ‘AR y Maes’ App allowed visitors to
and History (in English and Welsh). the Eisteddfod to access AR content
as they walked around the festival
In addition, content was developed
site. Users were able to see through
for Key Stage 2 Maths (Welsh
the walls of the Wales Millennium
language), Key Stage 3 Welsh as well
Centre and watch the BBC National
as app content in Chemistry, Physics,
Orchestra of Wales practice, were
Religious Studies, Geography and
taken on a virtual music tour of the
History.
Bay by Huw Stephens and see the
The new social media service, history of Cardiff Bay come to life.
BBC Sesh, was launched in April 2018,
a brand new platform for young
and previously unheard voices from
across Wales.
12Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
Creative Partnerships
BBC Wales continues to work with BBC Writersroom Wales also Working with BBC Music, BBC
a range of organisations in order to supported new and experienced Writersroom Wales produced micro-
maximise creative relationships writers. It developed a joint initiative comedy shorts for The Biggest
across Wales. with Hartwsood West, co funded by Weekend Festival. An open call-out
These bodies included national and ScreenSkills High-End TV Fund, to and workshop with new writers, led to
regional cultural institutions, find and develop the most exciting, the production of Kirsty Roderick’s
universities, training organisations, up-and-coming TV writers with a Porta-Lols, as well as two other shorts
venues, local authorities, charities, strong connection to Wales. From 150 which were distributed on the social
voluntary groups and commercial submissions two writers were selected media service, BBC Sesh.
organisations. – Alan Harris and Fflur Dafydd. Both BBC Writersroom Wales also
are now receiving a 6 month bursary partnered with a range of festivals to
to develop original BBC drama under deliver bespoke workshops and talks
Wales’ Creative Partner
the guidance of acclaimed Welsh for writers and aspiring writers,
The partnership with It’s My Shout
screenwriter Russell T Davies. including:
has been a highlight with BBC Wales
working with diverse communities Writersroom Wales also worked with • Machynlleth Comedy Festival
across Wales to develop up-and- BBC Children in Need to match-make
writers with Children in Need schemes • Craft of Comedy Festival
coming film makers and actors.
Four high-quality documentary throughout Wales in order to • Abergavenny Writing Festival
programmes were commissioned generate multi-platform drama Additionally, BBC Wales had a
and broadcast under the banner ideas that authentically portray presence as part of the following
New Voices from Wales. under-represented communities and initiatives:
reflect a wider, more diverse Wales.
• Digital Cities
• BBC School Report
BBC Writersroom Wales
13Management Review 2018/19 – Wales Creative Partnerships
Gorwelion/Horizons Supporting a Creative Economy Lasting Legacies
During 2018/19 the Gorwelion/ The BBC worked with a number of Further steps were taken this year
Horizons project, a partnership with partners in the Cardiff-based Clwstwr to complete the mass-digitisation
the Arts Council of Wales, continued Creadigol on a successful bid in of BBC Wales’ broadcast archive.
to support and promote the work September to the Arts and As a result of this major undertaking
of new music artists from Wales. Humanities Research Council (AHRC). involving 180,000 broadcast assets,
Gorwelion/Horizons plays an Clwstwr Creadigol is a partnership the BBC hopes to develop a National
important role in supporting new with Cardiff University, the University Broadcast Archive for Wales in
Welsh music talent; it represents of South Wales and Cardiff partnership with the National Library
a diverse range of musical styles, Metropolitan University, as well as the of Wales. It would join the ITV, S4C
and supports collaborations from Welsh Government, all major Welsh and screen and sound archives
grassroots level to a much larger scale. broadcasters and more than 60 collected at Aberystwyth.
This year’s twelve selected artists screen industry businesses. As a result Subject to final National Lottery
have benefited from opportunities of this collaboration, a multi-million Heritage Fund approval, the
to reach new audiences, including pound research investment into partnership aims to tell the story
opportunities to perform in festivals Wales’ creative economy has been of Wales through film, television
and events throughout the year, secured. It will focus on screen and radio. Digitised content would
such as the Radio 1 Biggest Weekend industries and journalism with be available to view by the public and
in Swansea. academics from Cardiff’s three researchers at the National Library
universities developing research that but also at new hubs in Cardiff,
can help the already thriving creative Carmarthen and Wrexham.
sector to reach its full potential.
BBC Wales remains committed to
developing the next generation of
content producers, particularly those
from under-represented groups. The
focus of these efforts saw the launch
of the Digital Journalism Apprenticeship
scheme. Developed in partnership
with Cardiff and Vale College, it is
giving hundreds of young people a
taste of digital journalism at locations
across Wales, including Beddau,
Llanhari, Aberdare, Porth, Aberystwyth,
Haverfordwest, Tenby, Llanelli,
Gorwelion/Horizons
Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Wrexham,
Swansea and Newport. Through this
scheme, 10 successful applicants will
be awarded 18-month long journalism
apprenticeships at BBC Wales starting
in September 2019.
14Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
BBC Wales Television And Radio – 2018/19
Annual Review Figures
Estimated Income 2018/19 2017/18 Television hours
UK 3,690 3,830 Local opt-out hours (including repeats)
Wales 184 191
BBC One and BBC Two 2018/19 2017/18
Expenditure by service Drama, comedy, entertainment, music and arts 36 27
Direct & indirect spend relating to programmes produced in Wales Daily, weekly news and current affairs 382 381
Network content 2018/19 2017/18 Sport and leisure 143 141
TV (including sport and children’s) 49 50 Educational, factual and religion 65 63
Radio 3 3 Origination Hours 626 612
Online and Red Button 1 1 Repeats 99 50
Total network spend 53 54 Total Hours 725 662
Local content 2018/19 2017/18 S4C 2018/19 2017/18
TV – BBC One and BBC Two 33 35 Drama, comedy, entertainment, music and arts 168 174
Radio Wales 15 15 Daily, weekly news and current affairs 255 263
Radio Cymru 14 14 Sport and leisure 133 97
Online and Red Button 11 8 Educational, factual and religion 1 2
Total local spend 73 72 Origination Hours 557 535
National Orchestra of Wales 5 5 Repeats 125 135
S4C 22 26 Total Hours 682 670
Development 1 –
Distribution 25 26 BBC Radio Wales 2018/19 2017/18
Total 179 183 News and current affairs 1,826 1,755
General 5,483 5,529
Analysis of spend by service 2018/19 2017/18 Origination Hours 7,309 7,284
BBC One 66 72 Repeats 143 191
BBC Two 13 12 Total Hours 7,452 7,474
BBC Four 3 1
CBBC – – BBC Radio Cymru 2018/19 2017/18
CBeebies – – News and current affairs 1,177 1,283
Radio 3 2 2 General 6,083 5,403
Radio 4 1 1 Origination Hours 7,260 6,686
Repeats 371 372
Total Hours 7,631 7,058
Headcount 2018/19 2017/18
Average number of persons employed in the year
Individuals employed to directly support the services produced in Wales 990 950
Individuals based in Wales across all services including support functions 1,231 1,208
15Management Review 2018/19 – Wales
The management team
Rhodri Talfan Davies Nick Andrews Zoë Baker
Director BBC Wales Head of Commissioning Senior HR Business Partner
Rhys Evans Michael Garvey Sian Gwynedd
Head of Strategy & Education Director National Orchestra Head of Content Production
and Chorus of Wales
Garmon Rhys Rhuanedd Richards Colin Paterson
Head of News Editor BBC Radio Cymru & Cymru Fyw Editor BBC Radio Wales
Gareth Powell Richard Thomas Geoff Williams
Chief Operating Officer Head of Digital and Marketing Head of Sport
16Contacts If you have a question, comment or complaint about BBC Wales programmes or services, or any other aspect of the BBC’s work, please contact our Audience Services unit. All feedback is carefully registered and regularly distributed to editorial teams and management. Telephone: 03703 500 700 Lines open weekdays 9.30am–5.30pm (except bank holidays). Calls to the 0370 UK-wide rate are charged at no more than 01/02 geographic numbers. Calls may be recorded for training. Website: bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/cymruwales Write to: Audience Services BBC Cymru Wales Bangor LL57 2BY Complaints: for more information about the BBC’s complaints process and to submit a complaint online please visit bbc.co.uk/complaints Photography Photographs used are © BBC, or used under the terms of the PACT agreement or with permission from elsewhere. Permission from the copyright holders must be sought before any photographs are reproduced. The text of this document may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium providing that it is done accurately and not in a misleading context. It must be accredited to the BBC. BBC Cymru Wales Broadcasting House Cardiff CF5 2YQ bbc.co.uk/wales © BBC 2019 17
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