Stereophonic nation

Abstract

Radio broadcasting in Wales has always been a controversial subject, as demands for increased Welsh language provision and distinctive English language programming have reflected the complexity of Welsh identity and tensions, not only between Welsh pressure groups and the government and BBC in London, but also within Wales itself. The recent changes to Radio Cymru, the BBC’s Welsh language service, provoked a fierce debate and led to a campaign of civil disobedience. The changes to its sister station, Radio Wales, have proved less controversial, but also show the way in which the BBC has adapted its Welsh output to face the challenges of the fast-growing independent radio sector. Can Radio Cymru and Radio Wales ever be truly national stations? To what extent should Welsh language broadcasting reflect the reality of a bilingual context? Are the demands for a third, and even fourth, national station for Wales justified? These and other issues are examined as part of a general analysis of radio broadcasting in Wales today.