Tony Hall speaks at National Assembly for Wales Reception

Tonight, Director-General Tony Hall spoke at the National Assembly for Wales Reception. He opened his speech by saying, 

"I have been back at the BBC a year today – and it has been exhilarating (well, mostly exhilarating). To be given the right to be funded by a licence fee is a tremendous privilege. And the truth is that the people of Wales – as in every other part of the UK - make a bold and generous commitment in paying for the BBC.

They own it, they love it, and they expect only the best from it. Every day we have to show we are worthy of that commitment.

I have also returned to the BBC to find a Wales that’s transformed.

I was BBC’s Director of News during the uncertain days of 1997 when the very idea of devolution in Wales was so hotly contested and divisive. Coming back now, I find a nation that exudes a self-confidence, a clearer sense of itself and its own values, and an ambition that feels very different.

But it is not just Wales that has changed. I have also come back to find a BBC Wales that’s transformed. Truly transformed."

He went on to pay tribute to BBC Wales' contribution to drama, underlined how audiences in Wales were served by the BBC, illustrated how new talent was also being supported by the corporation in addition to highlighting the forthcoming Dylan Thomas Season. 

He closed his speech by considering,

"... Wales without the BBC.

Where would a nation find its voice in both its languages, where would it be able to explore its identity, its geography, its people? How would a nation come together to share its common heritage? Or debate its shared challenges? Or celebrate its national successes?

Just consider that every day the BBC is actively chosen by the Welsh public close to seven million times. And every day, the average use of the BBC in Wales is over six and a half hours per household – the highest level anywhere in the UK.

But while I challenge anyone to find better value, I also challenge you tonight to tell us how we can continue to improve and deepen the service we offer Wales; how we can continue to ensure that Wales can see itself and talk to itself on its own terms in a digital, interactive world; and how we can continue to take the very best talent produced and developed here in Wales and place it on a global stage."

• Read the full speech on the Media Centre website.
• Read more posts by Tony Hall.