S4C makes digital push

Welsh-language broadcaster S4C will make all of its content available on the BBC iPlayer from the end of 2014, and is also set to launch an on-demand app on UK connected TV service YouView.

The plans are part of a number of new initiatives that will “increase the opportunities to watch the channel in the digital age,” S4C said.

The broadcaster has also formed a partnership with YouTube, which it said will allow it to stream S4C content live, and offer some short-form content on-demand before the end of the year.

S4C is also adding its channel to TV Catch-Up, a free online service that lets viewers watch live television through computer, smartphone and other internet-connected devices.

Though some S4C programming is already available on the BBC’s iPlayer, it is boosting this output to include all of its content thanks to an agreement with the BBC’s governing body, the BBC Trust.

“These announcements show that S4C is serious about ensuring that the Channel is available in as many different forms as possible as we move into the digital age,” said S4C’s chief executive, Ian Jones.

“S4C currently runs its own online on-demand service, Clic, and our viewers increasingly use the service. But in order to raise awareness of S4C and our great programming, we need to make our programmes available on larger platforms – as well as emerging platforms.”