Swansea Sound loss is cultural vandalism says Plaid MS

Plaid MS Dr. Dai Lloyd has expressed his disappointment at news that Swansea Sound will rebrand to Greatest Hits Radio from September.

Dr. Lloyd stated:

“Swansea Sound has been ever present for all of us who live in Swansea and South West Wales over a number of decades. The station has been an integral part of our lives, not just on the airwaves, but also in supporting local events and organisations.

“Local presenters, discussing local issues, with a local accent is what makes local radio special.

“The loss of Swansea Sound into a UK- wide network would be a travesty and a form of cultural vandalism.

“There are more than enough UK-wide networks – all reporting the same news, with the same presenters. What we are lacking is truly local radio, which reflect local people’s lives.

“Despite being primarily an English language station, Swansea Sound also has some welsh language output too, and this announcement raises serious questions about how that will be protected.

“Given Swansea Sound’s unique position here in South West Wales, I see no reason why it cannot keep the same brand and remain as a stand-alone station - just as the Bauer group has done with other stations.”