BBC Radio Cymru

BBC Radio Cymru is BBC Cymru's Welsh-language radio station, broadcasting throughout Wales from studios in Cardiff, Bangor, and Aberystwyth on FM since 1977. At the time of its launch it was one of the few FM-only radio services in the UK. The station now broadcasts for 19.5 to 20 hours a day (0530–0100 on weekdays, 0500–0100 at weekends) and is also available on DAB digital radio and Freeview within Wales and via satellite TV. Radio Cymru has also been streaming its output on the Internet since January 2005.^[2]

The station first began broadcasting on 3 January 1977 with a news bulletin read by Gwyn Llewelyn, followed by its first programme – the breakfast show Helo Bobol!, presented by Hywel Gwynfryn. Radio Cymru was the first dedicated Welsh language broadcasting outlet, allowing much more airtime for Welsh-language programmes than had previously been available on the old Radio 4 Wales (or the Welsh Home Service prior to 1967). Over the years it has done much to promote the language, with its sports commentators coining new terms which later became accepted by Welsh linguists.

It is similar in format to many radio stations with news programmes at breakfast (Post Cyntaf), lunchtime (Taro'r Post – a debate-driven programme) and drivetime (Post Prynhawn), DJs who chat to callers and run competitions and, until recently, a daily soap opera (Rhydeglwys). Radio Cymru also produces current affairs, drama, features, youth and sports programming. One of its more unusual programmes is Y Talwrn, a poetry competition in which teams must come up with poetry in specific styles on specific topics.

C2

The evening output of Radio Cymru (2000–0100) is branded "C2" and is aimed at a younger audience than the rest of the station. It covers the contemporary Welsh music scene extensively. The service typically opens at 2000 each weeknight with Lisa Gwilym presenting from Bangor and closes at 0100 following an on-air repeat of Dodd Com, C2's nightly web-only programme hosted by Magi Dodd. Other presenters include Huw Stephens, Ifan Evans, Daniel Glyn, and Huw Evans.

Programming

BBC Radio 5 Live's Up All Night is simulcast on Radio Cymru after closedown every night. This is except for during the Christmas holidays and on election days when the station remains on-air through the night for extra programming and non-stop music.

From November 2009, the station began broadcasting at 5:30am on weekdays instead of the previous 5am start-time. The early morning show was replaced by Radio 5 Live's Morning Reports and repeats with a newly extended Post Cyntaf beginning at 6:30am.

Transmitters and frequencies

Main transmitters

Relays

See also

• List of Celtic-language media

References

External links

• BBC Radio Cymru at BBC Online