News | 3 May 2022
Cardiff Metropolitan University and S4C have launched a new bursary to support the future development of Welsh broadcasting talent, in the hope of attracting new faces to join the media sector in Wales.
The S4C Sport Bursary will support one student from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background to study a Sports Broadcasting master's degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
The bursary is supported by production companies Rondo and Media Atom.
Jason Mohammad who will be working in partnership with S4C for the sports bursary with his business partner Nathan Blake, said: "We are so excited to be working with S4C on this historic bursary. This is a very big moment for our new company Jams & Mr B Productions.
"We are committed to helping broadcasters create a diverse workforce and increase diversity in programme making on screen and behind the camera.
"S4C has been great in working with us on our ambition to help change the lives of young people by giving them a unique opportunity to succeed in broadcasting in Wales. "
Nathan Blake added: "The Bursary scheme offered by S4C, partners and our own production company Jams & Mr B presents a life-changing opportunity.
"Its creation is a starting point that will lead to further opportunities in the future. We believe this additional education fund will help build and create lasting equality and diversity within the industry over the coming years and decades.
"Individually we can change lives but together we can change the game forever. "
Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff Met Professor Cara Aitchison said: "We are delighted to partner with S4C, Rondo and Media Atom, and work with Jams & Mr B Productions, to offer this bursary.
"Together we want to remove barriers to entry for students from under-represented backgrounds who might otherwise feel a career in media is not for them.
"Cardiff Met is committed to equality and providing opportunity for all. We want attract the best applicants from all backgrounds, help break down barriers and ensure they go as far as their talents can take them."
Joe Towns, Programme Director, Sport Broadcast MSc at Cardiff Met, said: "This is a project we’ve been working on for some time so we are delighted it’s happening. With the help of S4C and some of Wales’ leading Sports TV companies, Rondo and Media Atom, we are striving to improve representation across Welsh language sports broadcast output and workforces, both on screen and in production. It’s a challenge, but achieving greater diversity in our industry here in Wales is so important and, if successful, this bursary could be a total game changer.
"The news builds on our well established links with S4C, as several of our students past and present – Sioned Rowlands, Gabriella Jukes, Gethin Stedman, Dafydd Duggan, Gruff Mckee and Brandon Richards have all been working on S4C sports programmes this year as presenters, producers and commentators."
Nia Edwards-Behi, S4C's Diversity and Inclusion Officer, said: "Creating opportunities such as offering bursaries is a small but important step in supporting the development of S4C's future talent.
"It is a pleasure to be able to work with educational institutions, production companies and innovators such as Jams & Mr B to ensure that Welsh talent receives vital support at the start of a career journey."
For more information about the S4C Sports bursary: https://www.s4c.cymru/en/sport/page/49841/bursary/
