BBC Wales unveils new national debate programme The Hour
The stage is set for BBC One Wales’ major new series of monthly national debates. Hosted by Catrin Nye, The Hour will travel to locations across Wales, starting in the GS Yuasa factory in Ebbw Vale on 30 October.
Published: 18 October 2017
I want The Hour to be owned by the Welsh public so that everyone can have their say on the things that matter to them, get straight answers to questions and talk about politics in a way we can all understand
At a time of momentous change for Wales, The Hour will focus on some of the major issues shaping the Welsh and UK political agenda - and encourage the people of Wales to voice their opinions on those issues. The debates will be set in the round, with members of the public, politicians and experts sitting side by side as they explore each subject.
A new face to BBC Wales, host Catrin Nye was born in Brecon. An award-winning reporter and documentary maker she brings a wealth of experience to the programme. As a regular reporter on the BBC’s daily current affairs show Victoria Derbyshire, she’s won numerous awards for her hard-hitting journalism, including a Mind Journalist Of The Year award and Sandford St Martin Awards for excellence in broadcasting about religion.
On the prospect of hosting this groundbreaking series, Catrin says: “This is a real opportunity to have a proper debate about what matters to people in Wales and how the political decisions made in Cardiff and Westminster impact ordinary people's day-to-day lives. I want The Hour to be owned by the Welsh public so that everyone can have their say on the things that matter to them, get straight answers to questions and talk about politics in a way we can all understand.”
Viewers will be invited to connect with The Hour on social media, and reporter Steffan Powell is charged with bringing their voices to the programme. Glanaman-born Steffan, a reporter with BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat, will be encouraging people to get involved before, during and after the show.
He says: “We live with our phones in our hands most of the time, and we want people to use them to get involved in the debate.”
Produced for BBC Wales by Avanti Media, the production team will be led by Avanti Media Creative Director, Neil Grant, whose credits include Panorama and Dispatches, Clare Hudson - the former Head of English Language Programmes at BBC Wales - as well as the former Head of News and Current Affairs at ITV Wales, Elis Owen.
CR2
