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BBC Management Review 2018/19 Management Review 2018/19 – Wales

“The record 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..co.uk/annualreport Management Review 2018/19 – Wales

The record levels of online and mobile Hidden Wales and Director’s usage achieved over the last year show were also major network successes. Introduction how quickly BBC Wales is adapting to Looking ahead, believe our move to the new media landscape. Central Square in 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 , 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’ television programmes

Top Ten Broadcast Series Top Five Individual Broadcast Programmes English language series English language programmes Autumn Internationals 492,000 Sam Warburton: Full Contact 272,000 at 6.30pm 210,000 The Beacons with (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 ’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 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

Top Ten Broadcast Series Top Five Individual Broadcast Programmes Series on S4C Programmes on S4C 41,000 Goreuon Campau Cymru 2018 17,000 (Pro 14 Matches) 30,000 Bryn Fon a PTSD 15,000 Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol: Chwe Gwlad 25,000 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 to an almost threefold increase in the Hidden an established brand with a track number of requests to view, rising 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. 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.

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BBC network spend in Wales

Wales continues to provide some BBC network drama production Network of the BBC’s best-loved programmes, The BBC’s drama base at 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 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 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 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 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 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

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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 9, there is continued focus on original appropriate, additional supporting held in Cardiff Bay in August 2018 Welsh stories. Coverage of special programmes are also commissioned. enabled some changes to the events this year included live coverage This year, in Bryn Fôn a PTSD, the scheduling and presentation of of the celebrations in Cardiff following actor and musician researched the programmes and an increase in the ’ historic win in the condition suffered by his character breadth of the coverage. The 10 day Tour de France 2018 and Cymru’n in the soap, Dr Elgan. Priodasau festival was launched on S4C with Cofio 2018, the National Service of Cwmderi delved into the rich archive Croeso i’r Eisteddfod in which actress Remembrance from Llandaf of the series and took a lighthearted and presenter Ffion Dafis looked Cathedral marking 100 years since look at the eventful weddings at some of the fringe events and the end of the First World War. featured in the series. 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 political parties in Wales. With input buried, and secured an exclusive Eisteddfod Pobol y Cwm fans were from the National Centre for Learning interview with the new President of given the opportunity to visit the Welsh Yr Wythnos, was introduced, Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa. Cwmderi set at . a series looking back at some of the news stories of the week with English 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.

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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 English language output has focussed exposed a network of badger baiters in Wales. on further strengthening the quality operating in Wales as part of a six 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 and an investigation into a Cardiff man Changes introduced in March to the year that saw all major political parties at the centre of a network which sent main news homepage (bbc.co.uk/news) in Wales change leaders. Coverage of funds to Isis. now delivers a tailor-made service for the inquest into Carl Sargeant’s death 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 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 weeks following the disappearance the subsequent miscarriage of justice 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.

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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 , 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, , 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 ’ Feast of Football podcast qualifying matches. 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 . 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 . 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 ’s 2018 campaign enjoyed Scotland was on Scrum V Live. ball by ball coverage via the BBC Sport website and app.

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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. , Eleri Sion and were just some of the presenters to broadcast live from the on-board studio in , Kittle, , Barmouth and Connah’s Quay. The pinnacle of the celebrations was a BBC Radio Wales gala night of music and comedy at the celebrated 40 years on air 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 . 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 benefiting the most from the East was no exception. Green Man Festival, the Hay Festival, from the expansion. It was an incredible year of Welsh Swansea’s Biggest Weekend, Proms 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 Elvis Festival, Focus downloads reached 1.7 million in coverage of Geraint Thomas winning Wales in 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 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, including Elis James’ Feast of Football Elsewhere, there was significant Ryan Giggs took over as coach of the and the Monday night comedy audience and industry change in men’s national team. The station also programmes. Wales with major commercial followed the Wales Women’s team in 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 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 9 Management 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 radio service in BBC received around a million online January 2018, Radio Cymru 2’s offer requests for the station’s programmes. Dafydd a Caryl 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 Hogia’r Wyddfa, Band Pres Llareggub The online requests for Radio Cymru 2 journalistic content – choosing to and Siddi, was a memorable tribute to to BBC platforms, which indicate that disrupt its usual schedule to bring its cyclist Geraint Thomas during the Tour the station is succeeding in reaching audiences live updates and analysis de France, and was subsequently younger audiences, has been an from Westminster, Brussels and Cardiff played during the celebrations of his important boost to the team seeking Bay on events relating to Brexit. 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 its first ever commissioning round for and reach more diverse audiences. Hughes in November 2018 led to unique and bespoke content for the There has also been greater cross- 45,114 ‘high fives’ being captured service, aimed primarily at those aged platform cooperation between our from children and adults across under 35. This has prompted a huge audio and online teams in the Wales, as well as leading to 377 number of new ideas from individuals, development and promotion of stories audience generated videos and visits groups and companies – some of and ideas – and we look forward to to 39 schools. whom are venturing to the world of taking this collaboration a step further 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 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

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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 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 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 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 . 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

11 Management 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 . 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 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 and see the The new social media service, Bay come to life. BBC Sesh, was launched in April 2018, a brand new platform for young and previously unheard voices from across Wales.

12 Management 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 Wales’ Creative Partner deliver bespoke workshops and talks the guidance of acclaimed Welsh The partnership with It’s My Shout for writers and aspiring writers, screenwriter . has been a highlight with BBC Wales including: working with diverse communities Writersroom Wales also worked with • Machynlleth Comedy Festival across Wales to develop up-and- BBC to match-make • Craft of Comedy Festival coming film makers and actors. writers with Children in Need schemes Four high-quality documentary throughout Wales in order to • 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

13 Management 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 , 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 , 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 , all major Welsh and screen and sound archives grassroots level to a much larger scale. broadcasters and more than 60 collected at . 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 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 , it is giving hundreds of young people a taste of digital journalism at locations across Wales, including Beddau, Llanhari, Aberdare, Porth, Aberystwyth, , 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.

14 Management 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

15 Management 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

16 Contacts

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

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