Welsh language channel S4C will launch its high definition service on June 7, but the new channel won’t immediately be available on DTT.
S4C had to close its HD service, Clirlun, in 2012 following significant cuts to the channel’s budget. Although S4C still faces a period of cuts and financial uncertainty, chief executive Ian Jones says that the importance of HD means it’s no longer viable for S4C to continue broadcasting without HD.
“We are grateful that the UK Government has maintained S4C’s budget at the same level as 2015/16 for next year, which has helped us in this respect. The rest of the money has had to come from our wider budget. The UK Government has announced that they will hold an independent review of S4C starting next year and, naturally, funding is going to be an important part of this. Ensuring that the channel remains relevant and competitive is a huge consideration and our hope is that the Review will take this in to consideration.”
S4C HD will be available on Freesat and Sky in Wales and across the UK; it will provide coverage of international rugby, Wales’ historic Euro 2016 matches and drama including Y Gwyll.
However, HD coverage of Euro 2016 will only be available over.
