A new Welsh language radio service from the BBC has launched on digital radio.
BBC Radio Cymru 2 is now available on DAB digital radio in Wales, as well as digital television and online. It’s the first time in the 40-year history of Radio Cymru that listeners will have a choice of Welsh language programmes in the morning.
The new daily breakfast programme, Sioe Frecwast, will feature entertainment, music and chat, in Welsh. BBC Radio Cymru’s Post Cyntaf will continue to offer news and analysis.
BBC Radio Cymru 2 broadcasts from Monday to Friday between 6.30am and 8.30am, Saturday from 7am to 9am, and Sunday morning between 8am and 10am. The new station will rejoin Radio Cymru outside of these times.
Sioe Frecwast will be available every day on Radio Cymru 2, presented by Dafydd Meredydd and Caryl Parry Jones, Monday to Thursday. Huw Stephens from BBC Radio 1 will host on Friday. On Saturday the programme is presented by Lisa Angharad, while Lisa Gwilym presents on Sunday.
“I’m delighted that our new Charter has enabled us to strengthen our services for Welsh language audiences, and to offer our radio listeners real choice in Welsh for the very first time,” said Tony Hall, Director-General of the BBC.
BBC Radio Cymru 2 is available on DAB digital radio. Many DAB sets will find the new station automatically, but it may be necessary to retune to find the new station. This is often achieved with the Auto Tune or Auto Scan button or menu option.
The new Sioe Frecwast breakfast programme can also be heard live and on-demand through the BBC iPlayer Radio app and the BBC website.
BBC Radio Cymru 2 will be on Freeview, YouView, BT TV, & Talk Talk TV – channel 721; Sky, channel 0154; Freesat, channel 718 (and 735 outside Wales)
Betsan Powys, Editor of BBC Radio Cymru says: “From today, listeners across Wales who want to tune in to a Welsh language radio service can choose – news, sport and analysis with the Post Cyntaf team on BBC Radio Cymru, or the Sioe Frecwast on BBC Radio Cymru 2.”