Ö÷²¥´óÐã

Tonight, Director-General Tony Hall spoke at the National Assembly for Wales Reception. He opened his speech by saying, 

"I have been back at the Ö÷²¥´óÐã a year today – and it has been exhilarating (well, mostly exhilarating). To be given the right to be funded by a licence fee is a tremendous privilege. And the truth is that the people of Wales – as in every other part of the UK - make a bold and generous commitment in paying for the Ö÷²¥´óÐã.

They own it, they love it, and they expect only the best from it. Every day we have to show we are worthy of that commitment.

I have also returned to the Ö÷²¥´óÐã to find a Wales that’s transformed.

I was Ö÷²¥´óÐã’s Director of News during the uncertain days of 1997 when the very idea of devolution in Wales was so hotly contested and divisive. Coming back now, I find a nation that exudes a self-confidence, a clearer sense of itself and its own values, and an ambition that feels very different.

But it is not just Wales that has changed. I have also come back to find a Ö÷²¥´óÐã Wales that’s transformed. Truly transformed."

He went on to pay tribute to Ö÷²¥´óÐã Wales' contribution to drama, underlined how audiences in Wales were served by the Ö÷²¥´óÐã, illustrated how new talent was also being supported by the corporation in addition to highlighting the forthcoming .Ìý

He closed his speech by considering,  

"... Wales without the Ö÷²¥´óÐã.

Where would a nation find its voice in both its languages, where would it be able to explore its identity, its geography, its people? How would a nation come together to share its common heritage? Or debate its shared challenges? Or celebrate its national successes?

Just consider that every day the Ö÷²¥´óÐã is actively chosen by the Welsh public close to seven million times. And every day, the average use of the Ö÷²¥´óÐã in Wales is over six and a half hours per household – the highest level anywhere in the UK.

But while I challenge anyone to find better value, I also challenge you tonight to tell us how we can continue to improve and deepen the service we offer Wales; how we can continue to ensure that Wales can see itself and talk to itself on its own terms in a digital, interactive world; and how we can continue to take the very best talent produced and developed here in Wales and place it on a global stage."

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