ABSTRACT
The Welsh-language television channel S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru) has been a dominant part of Welsh public life since its launch in late 1982. Recently the existence of the channel has (in the view of its supporters) for the first time since its launch come under threat, with the announcement of plans for the Westminster government to relinquish funding control of the channel and hand it over to the BBC. Among the many bodies and organisations opposed to this fundamental change is the Welsh Language Society (Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg), which particularly during the 1970s and early 1980s played an important role in campaigning for its establishment, regarding a Welsh-language television channel as a vital factor in the raising of the public profile and status of the language. Here we have a letter from the Chair (Cadeirydd) of the Society, sent to various newspapers and other media outlets across Wales, publicising a series of meetings to be held to discuss the situation with a view to putting pressure on London to reconsider its plans.
