S4C Appoints New Chief Executive Following Bullying Allegations

Welsh language television channel S4C has named a new chief executive. This appointment follows bullying allegations that resulted in the dismissal of its former chief executive and a senior executive. Geraint Evans, who served as the channel’s interim chief content officer since Llinos Griffin-Williams’ resignation from that position last October, has been appointed to the role. Mr. Evans became part of S4C in 2019, where he previously oversaw the development of its digital strategy. Additionally, he held the position of the broadcaster’s acting chief executive for a six-month period over the last year, following Siân Doyle’s dismissal last November. Ms. Doyle’s termination occurred after accusations of bullying and dictatorial behavior were made against her. Ms. Griffin-Williams departed after reportedly informing former rugby star Mike Phillips that his Welsh language abilities were insufficient. Prior to his tenure at S4C, Mr. Evans spent 25 years as a journalist for ITV Cymru Wales. Guto Bebb, S4C’s interim chairman, stated that the board’s decision regarding Mr. Evans’ appointment received unanimous approval. “As the director who has led the digital development of the channel, he has a clear vision of the path that S4C needs to take in order to ensure a prosperous future,” Mr. Bebb commented. Mr. Evans expressed that S4C has a “key role to play in enabling people to live their lives through the Welsh language, to attract new speakers and to maintain Welsh as a living and relevant language”. A report, released in December 2023, was compiled by the Cardiff law firm Capital Law, which interviewed 92 individuals who provided testimony concerning the atmosphere and working conditions at S4C. According to participants, Ms. Doyle’s leadership approach was described as “dictatorial creating a culture of fear”. The report cited allegations of abusive and inappropriate language, attributed to Ms. Doyle, which encompassed derogatory remarks about colleagues and S4C presenters. Ms. Doyle has stated that she does not “recognise or accept the allegations made”.