Zero* welcome for 200 Welsh TV shows - in Wales

Almost 200 Welsh language programmes broadcast by S4C last month attracted precisely zero viewers, leaked audience figures show.

The figures suggest an incoming Tory government will have the Welsh language channel right next to the BBC on its media working-over list.

According to the Western Mail, which obtained leaked BARB figures on the channels' viewing stats, just one in five of the channel's programmes mustered more than 10,000 viewers.

Apparently, 196 out of 890 Welsh programmes broadcast by S4C in February failed to attract a single viewer.*

The channel gets around £100m of government funding to service the UK's Wales' Welsh-speaking community, and apparently a number of English speakers who have maladjusted TV aerials.

Apparently, most of the programmes that had zero viewers were children's programmes - a tragedy for the firm once behind perennial favourite Fireman Sam - although hard-hitting evening magazine show Wedi7 barely scraped together less than 10,000 viewers one night last month.

Supposedly must-see programming such as Igam Ogam, Sali Mali and Tocyn, and Sgorio, a football programme which shows highlights of the Spanish, German and Italian leagues emphatically did not enjoy a welcome in the hills, The Daily Telegraph reports.

The furore puts the channel - and presumably Welsh speakers - under the cosh to up viewing figures.

Tonight's viewing is here. Veterans of the BBC's nationwide Welsh language programming might want to note there's a double helping of Pobol y Cym, as "Jinx tries to justify his actions while Colin and Gaynor try to settle their differences. An emotional moment for Macs as he visits the hospital." ®

Bootnote

* OK, as some commenters have pointed out, the stats count anything upto 1,000 as statistically zero. Which means it's possible that up to 1,000 people have been enjoying the delights of Sgorio and Igam Ogam. Or, not.