BBC Wales is set to create six new jobs with the introduction of a new online Welsh language service.
The service, called Cymru Fyw, will include a live blog stream, opinion articles and features, and the latest news stories from across Wales. The site will also serve as a platform for other topical BBC products available in Welsh, such as BBC Radio Cymru and Welsh language TV programmes available on BBC iPlayer.
Cymru Fyw, which translates as 'Wales Live' in English, is due to be launched in the next few months and will be piloted for an initial period of two years.
Six positions are being created within the BBC’s Welsh language team for the new service. A BBC Cymru Wales spokesperson confirmed that they are currently advertising two broadcast journalist posts, as well as for a producer and senior producer. An Assistant News Editor has already been appointed, and one other vacancy will be advertised from September.
Sian Gwynedd, BBC Cyrmu Wales’ Head of Welsh Language Programmes and Services, said the move by the BBC is designed to broaden the reach of Welsh language online services.
“Online, interactive services in Welsh have to compete with global media and that is one of the most significant challenges facing the language," he said. "Although we’ve been one of the most popular Welsh language interactive services for many years, we want to achieve an even bigger impact with our audience.”
“Over the last year the number of browsers accessing BBC Welsh language sites has increased by more than 50 per cent – but we’re confident there’s room to grow further as mobile and tablet usage increases. We want to build on the success to date to reach 50,000 unique browsers a week.
“Cymru Fyw represents an exciting and significant investment into Welsh language online and will offer users a more topical and distinctive service. We need to work together with other Welsh language online providers in order to ensure we pack a bigger punch. Cymru Fyw will help users make the most of the Welsh language content, and other resources relevant to them, available across the internet.”
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