Former Journalist and Politician Tipped as Potential New Chair of S4C
In recent news, Delyth Evans, a former journalist and Senedd member, has emerged as the UK Government’s favoured choice for the role of the new chair of S4C. This decision comes in the wake of the departure of Rhodri Williams, the previous chair, who faced backlash and criticism for his management of the Welsh language broadcaster. The government has expressed its confidence in Delyth Evans to lead S4C into a new era of growth and development.
Delyth Evans’ appointment as the preferred candidate for the chair of S4C was disclosed by UK Government culture secretary Lisa Nandy. She was chosen through an advisory assessment panel, following a process outlined in the Broadcasting Act 1990. The role of the chair involves a time commitment that entails an annual salary of £40,000, amounting to approximately two days of work per week.
Having commenced her career as a journalist at HTV Wales, where she worked on the show Y Byd ar Bedwar for S4C, Delyth Evans has a strong background in media. She later transitioned to reporting for BBC Radio Four’s ‘World at One’ and ‘PM’ programmes. In 2000, she became a Labour Assembly Member and subsequently served as the deputy minister for culture, environment, and rural affairs. More recently, she has been involved in the charity sector, notably with Smart Works, a women’s employment charity.
Currently serving as a board member at Sport Wales, a governor at Coleg Gwent, and a trustee of the Alacrity Foundation and the Urdd, Delyth Evans brings a diverse range of experiences to the table. Her upcoming appearance before the Welsh affairs committee on April 23 for pre-appointment scrutiny reflects the thorough selection process for this crucial leadership position at S4C.
Lisa Nandy expressed her optimism about Delyth Evans assuming the role of Chair, highlighting her potential to be a strong advocate for Welsh-language broadcasting. She sees this appointment as a pivotal moment for S4C, aligning with broader initiatives to stimulate job opportunities and foster growth within the creative industries across Wales and the UK.
As discussions unfold about the future leadership of S4C, stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the positive impact that Delyth Evans could bring to the organisation. Her background in journalism, politics, and charity work suggests a well-rounded skill set that could be instrumental in steering S4C towards continued success and relevance in the media landscape.
In conclusion, the nomination of Delyth Evans as the potential new chair of S4C signals a significant development in the ongoing evolution of the Welsh language broadcaster. With her extensive experience and dedication to various sectors, she stands poised to lead S4C into a new era of innovation and prominence within the media industry.