SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, says closure of a Wrexham radio studio is a blow for the Welsh language media.
The studio in Gwersyllt was previously home to Marcher Sound radio group, Heart and now run by Capital.
Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance asked the Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford what he was doing to support the Welsh language media.
Mt Rowlands said: “You’ll be aware that Global are closing their studio in Wrexham, including the Capital Cymru station, which will mean 12 jobs are lost at the site.
“Global, of course, will have their commercial reasons for this decision, but that will mean less Welsh language broadcasting, which, of course, is a blow for Welsh speakers and learners alike.
“Cabinet Secretary, what do you think the Welsh Government could do to make the media landscape in Wales more attractive for operators of Welsh-medium radio and television, not necessarily direct intervention or direct support, but making that landscape more attractive for them, both on a commercial and, perhaps, at times, on a non-commercial basis?”
Mr Drakeford said while he regretted and regarded the decisions which have been made as a backward step he thought there was very strong and successful activity in this area.
Mr Rowlands added: “It is always very disappointing to hear of any businesses closing and jobs being lost in my region and particularly when the radio studio has been part of Wrexham for many years.
“It is also sad to see the closure of the Capital Cymru radio station, which broadcasts in Welsh, and provided a Welsh language service.”
