The National Assembly for Wales and broadcasting policy, 1999-2003

Abstract

Since 1999, there have been devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, as a result of the referendums that followed Labour’s election victory in 1997. Though communications policies remain the responsibility of central government, the link with cultural policies means that media issues are emerging at the devolved level. In Wales, an explicit role for the National Assembly is emerging in broadcasting issues. This is demonstrated by Assembly debates and questions, the evidence that Assembly committees have sought from broadcasters, the background papers produced by officials and the policies adopted by the Cabinet of the National Assembly. The Assembly is becoming a forum for the in-depth discussion of a distinct Welsh media agenda, including network issues, content, language, representation and accountability. This article looks at how the National Assembly provided a vehicle for the exploration of Welsh views on UK communications legislation over the period 1999-2003.