Above: Non Gwilym, Tim Hartley, Emma Meese (C4CJ), Bruce Etherington (Cardiff University), Ken Skates AM, Karen Roberts, and Sarah Mosely

On the 7th of August, the Wales Centre hosted the launch of a new forum to share best practise in digital content creation and exchange at this year’s National Eisteddfod in Denbigh.  Gwladigidol (Digital Nation) takes over from the Wales Media Literacy Network, and will draw together all those interested in exploring the potential of new technologies.  Central to this will be the Digital Media Event Calendar for key events, which will form the backbone of a new information portal.

Karen Roberts, Chair of Gwladigidol, told the audience of producers, commissioners and academics, "Life is converging through technology, and soon the living room will become everyone’s home digital hub with a smart TV at its heart".  Her prediction is supported by Ofcom’s Communications Market Report, which shows that 91% of TV viewing in Wales remains on the main set in the living room.

The event was opened by Ken Skates AM, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, who has chaired a National Assembly inquiry into media in Wales.  Elinor Williams from Ofcom gave a rundown of the latest television and audiovisual data, and Robin Owain from Monopedia told us how Monmouth has become the World's first Wikipedia town.  Just point your phone at the signs!  Huw Marshall of S4C explained that the Welsh language broadcaster's programmes will all be available on BBC i-Player (by autumn 2014) along with YouView and Catch-Up TV.

Tim Hartley, Chair of RTS Wales said, "Gwladigidol is positioned at the cutting edge of TV and interactive technology.  This forum will provide a real focus for all of us working in different but interrelated sectors of the industry in Wales."