For every £1 received in licence fee funding, £1.59 was returned to Wales’s economy. More than three-quarters of total expenditure (£82.2 million) went to companies headquartered in Wales or to freelancers based in the country. S4C’s influence was felt across the nation, with 57% of its total spend occurring outside Cardiff — five percentage points higher than in 2022/23.
Across S4C’s supply chain, 93% of job creation and gross value added (GVA) was retained within Wales, underlining the broadcaster’s role as a cornerstone of the nation’s production industry. During 2024/25, S4C collaborated with 1,190 suppliers across 58 different sectors — an increase of 213 suppliers since the previous review.
This positive news follows the launch of S4C’s refreshed strategic plan, More Than a TV Channel, which focuses on working alongside partners to help Wales prosper. As production begins soon on the second season of "Y Llais", the study estimates that the first season generated £3.3 million in GVA for the Welsh economy and created 72 jobs across the country.
Geraint Evans, Chief Executive of S4C, said: “While our focus is on the future with our recently-launched strategy, this impact report is an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve already achieved at S4C. These findings show that S4C is already More Than a TV Channel, with the investments made by S4C, and the wider production sector, critical in unlocking and encouraging full potential of Wales’s creative industries. There are strong foundations here on which we can build, as we realise our vision of an S4C that expands viewing with its content, transforms to digital-first and collaborates with its partners to make Wales thrive.”
Delyth Evans, Chair of S4C’s Board, added: “When S4C works alongside the production sector, the effects are far-reaching – culturally, socially and economically. It’s appropriate that this report be released during the first joint conference between S4C and TAC, as we celebrate the healthy relationship between S4C and the sector and as we look forward to the future with great enthusiasm.”
UK Government Media Minister, Ian Murray, said: “I know just how important S4C is in championing Welsh language content - from news programmes which keep audiences informed to dramas, children’s shows and documentaries. Not only does it continue to provide entertainment and add social value, but it also supports the local economy. We, as the Government, are strongly committed to public service media. We will be using the upcoming Charter Review to look at how we can support both S4C and minority language broadcasting.”
Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant, commented: "This report demonstrates the vital role S4C plays in supporting jobs and economic growth across Wales. Growing to support over 2,500 jobs whilst returning £1.59 to the Welsh economy for every £1 of licence fee income shows the real value of investment in Welsh language broadcasting, including Welsh Government investment via Creative Wales in facilities such as Aria Studios, and in hit S4C shows like Cleddau, Egin Bach and Hafiach. I'm particularly pleased to see spending increasingly reaching communities outside Cardiff, helping to ensure prosperity is spread across the whole of Wales."
