Wales’ culture minister fielded questions on Plaid Cymru plans to press for the devolution of broadcasting in the Senedd’s first committee scrutiny session after the summer break.

Heledd Fychan said public sector broadcasters faced “huge challenges” over financial cuts and emphasised the importance of a strong media to support democracy.

In written evidence to the Culture, Communications, Cymraeg and Sport Committee, the Welsh Government reiterated plans to establish a Shadow Broadcasting and Communications Authority for Wales.

Welsh ministers have previously argued the new body would represent “a first step” toward devolving power over broadcasting.

The UK Government, as well as Senedd Members from Reform UK and the Conservatives, are opposed to such a move, which was an election manifesto pledge from Plaid.

In its evidence, the Welsh Government said there was a “genuine gap” in the current system.

Reform’s shadow minister for culture Louise Emery highlighted the financial challenges posed by the potential devolution of broadcasting to Wales, such as the revenue gap between what is brought in by the licence fee in Wales and the actual cost to run BBC Wales.

In response, Ms Fychan said the establishment of a Shadow Broadcasting Authority and the devolution of broadcasting to Wales are separate issues, noting the Shadow Broadcasting Authority would be able to investigate issues such as financing public sector broadcasting.

However, the shadow minister and Ms Fychan remained at odds over the necessity of the devolution of broadcasting to Wales.

Ms Emery told the committee she did not “understand what the problem is with media in Wales”, describing the current media landscape as "pretty robust”.

Ms Fychan responded: “It’s really looking at how we address what’s currently not working, a democratic deficit, to ensure Wales is adequately represented, that we have a voice when it comes to decisions about broadcasting in Wales.”