S4C Programming Joins BBC iPlayer

LONDON: Welsh-language programming from S4C is being added to the BBC iPlayer, with the full slate to be available by fall next year.

The intention is for S4C to have presence as a full channel, available to watch live and on demand, by fall 2014. S4C will then be the only independent channel available on the BBC iPlayer.

Sian Gwynedd, BBC Cymru Wales’ head of Welsh-language programs and services, said: “This is a very important development which will ensure that all Welsh-language programs from the BBC and S4C, as well as BBC Radio Cymru’s programs, will be available live and on demand not only to audiences in Wales but across the U.K.

“BBC Wales is committed to broadening the appeal and reach of Welsh-language content online and this development supports our desire to improve what we offer to Welsh speakers by making it easier for users to find Welsh-language content.

“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 programs to the largest possible number of viewers. It’s amazing that through working together closely and constructively we can offer this service to our audiences, and establishing S4C as the only independent channel on BBC iPlayer reflects our unique partnership with S4C.”

S4C’s chief executive, Ian Jones, said: “Ensuring that S4C’s content is on BBC iPlayer is a very exciting development. The great advantage of BBC iPlayer is that it is available on over 650 devices and platforms for free in the U.K.—which provide new ways to showcase S4C’s excellent content.

“This is another substantial step forward in our efforts as a channel to ensure that S4C content is available in as many ways as possible to as many people as possible.”