S4C has reached an agreement with the National Library of Wales to ensure that all the channel’s programmes are protected and transferred to the National Library’s care as part of the National Broadcast Archive for Wales.
All S4C content, programmes and series which have been broadcast since the channel’s launch in 1982 will be transferred to the Broadcast Archive. The S4C archive is an important record of Welsh history and a source of information showcasing the development of the Welsh language and broadcasting in Wales.
Owen Evans, S4C’s Chief Executive, said:
“We are privileged to hand over our archive to the National Library, to ensure that our programmes and content from the beginning are accessible to all. Our archive contains a wealth of history, information and entertainment, and it is vital that this material is available for the nation to study, protect and enjoy.”
The National Library’s Chief Executive and Librarian, Pedr ap Llwyd, said:
“This is great news that will bring together the broadcasting heritage of Wales, alongside all the other historical sources we have at the National Library.”
Dafydd Tudur, Head of Public Access and Programmes at the National Library, said:
“This will be the first National Broadcast Archive of its kind in the UK and this innovative project will bring Welsh broadcasters resources closer to the people. We hope to discover new ways of using this audio-visual archive as a historical and creative resource.”
The project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The National Broadcast Archive project also includes the BBC Wales archive, as well as the ITV Wales archive which was already protected by the National Library.
S4C is a Welsh language television channel. We transmit live between 6 in the morning and late at night. It is also possible to watch our programmes and videos on other digital platforms at times that suit you.
There is a very wide range of programmes on S4C including news, drama, documentaries, music, entertainment and children programmes. The content on the web includes a short form service, aimed mainly at a 16-34-year-old audience and is called Hansh.
Independent production companies produce most of the programmes. The BBC also produce around 520 hours a year for the channel.
You are able to view a large number of programmes with English subtitles. You are also able to choose an English language sound track for many of our programmes.
You can view S4C across the United Kingdom. Some programmes are also available throughout the world.
