Industry

The BBC and Welsh-language broadcaster S4C have unveiled plans for a significant new streaming partnership designed to boost the visibility and discoverability of S4C content on BBC iPlayer.

As part of the agreement, S4C programming will gain a far more prominent presence on BBC iPlayer, with Welsh-language content regularly featured on the platform’s main homepage in Wales. In a first for the service, selected flagship S4C titles — including drama series and live sports coverage — will also appear on the BBC iPlayer homepage across the UK.

The partnership will additionally extend to younger audiences, with links to S4C’s children’s services, Stwnsh and Cyw, set to be included on the BBC iPlayer Kids homepage nationwide, significantly improving access to Welsh-language children’s programming.

BBC iPlayer is currently the UK’s fastest-growing streaming platform, reaching more than 15 million accounts each week on average, including over 700,000 in Wales. The new features will be introduced through a phased rollout beginning in April and will remove the need for viewers to navigate the platform’s channel guide to find S4C’s most popular shows.

S4C Chief Executive Geraint Evans said the new arrangement marks an important step in expanding the reach of Welsh-language content: “We’re delighted to secure a new arrangement with BBC iPlayer, which will ensure greater prominence for S4C content – from sport and drama to live events and children’s programming. And with new features such as Welsh and English-language subtitles, additional live streams and improved personalisation, the viewing experience will be richer than ever. As our audiences increasingly turn to digital viewing, one of our main objectives is to ensure that S4C content is available across platforms, and it will be great to see Welsh-language content given a prominent place on one of the most popular viewing platforms, in addition to S4C’s streaming service, Clic.”

Garmon Rhys, Interim Director of BBC Cymru Wales, highlighted the broader public service impact of the deal: “We’re extremely proud to be working in partnership with S4C to provide greater discoverability of Welsh language content on BBC iPlayer. This agreement further strengthens our commitment to serving audiences in Wales and across the UK as they seek content on digital platforms, making it easier than ever for viewers to discover and enjoy S4C’s programming.”