Welsh

Six Nations future on terrestrial TV uncertain – what are the implications for rugby and its fans?

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024

But the high-octane drama risks being overshadowed by off-field events that could also threaten the principles of public service broadcasting.

Key Points: 
  • But the high-octane drama risks being overshadowed by off-field events that could also threaten the principles of public service broadcasting.
  • Viewing figures for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 were 19% higher than the 2019 tournament, and 30% higher than in 2015.
  • Free-to-air Six Nations games regularly draw between 3 and 4.5 million viewers in the UK.
  • So, when the current broadcasting deal ends in 2025, the Six Nations could very well end up behind a paywall.

Financial woes

  • It faces a stark future both on and off the field, with players leaving Wales for more money and salary caps being introduced for those who stay.
  • The SNP’s Gavin Newlands recently reiterated calls for broadcasting to be devolved so that the Six Nations remains free-to-air.
  • The Irish Rugby Union has also previously warned about the “substantial financial damage” to rugby if the Six Nations was classified as free-to-air.

Lessons from cricket

  • Free market proponents point, for example, to how Sky’s long-lasting commitment to cricket has led to innovation and technical advances such as multiple cameras and data-rich, TV-friendly statistical analysis.
  • It results in a quality of coverage that the BBC or ITV might struggle to match with more meagre budgets.
  • But test cricket offers a cautionary tale.
  • Having hauled in millions of new enthusiasts, cricket failed to keep them watching.


The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Reveleer Welcomes Expert Digital Health Executive to Its Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 14, 2023

GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Reveleer, a leading AI-powered healthcare technology data and analytics company committed to advancing sustainable value-based care for health plans and risk-bearing providers, today announced Megan Callahan, a widely respected digital healthcare leader, has joined its Board of Directors.

Key Points: 
  • "I am honored to join Reveleer's Board of Directors.
  • "Reveleer has the potential to overcome the healthcare data challenge through its use of AI to advance risk adjustment and quality improvement programs.
  • Most recently, Callahan was the Chief Operating Officer at Twill, a leader in digital therapeutics and mental health, where she led all commercial and operational functions.
  • Callahan is a recognized digital health expert featured in Yahoo!

K-12 Solutions Provider LINQ Announces Strategic Hires to Senior Leadership Team

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 15, 2023

LINQ, a K-12 education solutions provider, today announced the addition of four seasoned experts to its senior leadership team as it continues to evolve to serve K-12 school districts and state education agencies.

Key Points: 
  • LINQ, a K-12 education solutions provider, today announced the addition of four seasoned experts to its senior leadership team as it continues to evolve to serve K-12 school districts and state education agencies.
  • Paul Brown joins LINQ with more than 20 years of experience as a top executive in customer service, operations management and sales.
  • He has worked with both domestic and international companies, including SaaS company Ease, which provides online management solutions for insurance brokers.
  • In this position, she is responsible for establishing streamlined onboarding processes, increasing user adoption and maximizing the use of LINQ solutions.

Socura opens Cardiff office amid Welsh cybersecurity boom

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 10, 2023

CARDIFF, Wales, Aug. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Socura, a UK-based managed detection and response services business, has relocated to Cardiff from London to capitalise on the Welsh boom in security skills, startups, and government investment since the pandemic.

Key Points: 
  • Socura will be looking to recruit heavily in the region, and the office will also be used by Socura's sister company, Block Solutions, which has several Welsh employees.
  • The Welsh Government's focus on Cyber was a key factor behind the relocation, and Socura is keen to work with more Welsh businesses and private sector organisations.
  • Socura has an extensive track record securing these kinds of businesses and wants to capitalise on the fact that Welsh businesses are all increasingly prioritising cybersecurity.
  • "Standing in our new office, it feels as though you are in the centre of the Welsh cybersecurity boom.

Socura opens Cardiff office amid Welsh cybersecurity boom

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 10, 2023

CARDIFF, Wales, Aug. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Socura, a UK-based managed detection and response services business, has relocated to Cardiff from London to capitalise on the Welsh boom in security skills, startups, and government investment since the pandemic.

Key Points: 
  • Socura will be looking to recruit heavily in the region, and the office will also be used by Socura's sister company, Block Solutions, which has several Welsh employees.
  • The Welsh Government's focus on Cyber was a key factor behind the relocation, and Socura is keen to work with more Welsh businesses and private sector organisations.
  • Socura has an extensive track record securing these kinds of businesses and wants to capitalise on the fact that Welsh businesses are all increasingly prioritising cybersecurity.
  • "Standing in our new office, it feels as though you are in the centre of the Welsh cybersecurity boom.

Plaid Cymru's new leader faces tough challenges ahead of next elections

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 17, 2023

Rhun ap Iorwerth was appointed as Plaid Cymru’s new leader mid-June 2023.

Key Points: 
  • Rhun ap Iorwerth was appointed as Plaid Cymru’s new leader mid-June 2023.
  • He replaced Adam Price, who stood down in response to a damaging report which found evidence of a culture of sexual harassment, bullying and misogyny in the party.
  • This is a major undertaking for any political party, but particularly for an organisation which is not large, or especially well-resourced.
  • This is a trend confirmed by its performance in the 2019 general election and the 2021 Senedd election.

Welsh independence

    • In the 2021 Senedd election, Plaid Cymru put its call for Welsh independence front and centre of its campaign and promised to hold a referendum within five years if it became the party of government.
    • But such a strategy misjudged the priorities of Welsh voters at the time, which was recovery from the COVID pandemic, rather than major constitutional change.
    • Welsh independence is still only supported by a minority of voters.

Scotland’s example

    • Many of those who do support Welsh independence, are also Labour voters.
    • And there is no sign that they are willing to ditch their allegiance and switch to supporting Plaid Cymru instead.
    • This is in spite of the difficulties that the Welsh Labour-led Welsh government is facing in the areas it is responsible for, such as the NHS.
    • In having to compete against such an opponent, Rhun ap Iorwerth’s Plaid Cymru faces an electoral challenge that is unique among Europe’s pro-independence parties.

Renationalising Thames Water would be a gamble – but there is another way to help clean up the industry

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 3, 2023

But since 1989, the industry has failed to invest sufficiently in replacing antiquated pipes and sewage treatment systems.

Key Points: 
  • But since 1989, the industry has failed to invest sufficiently in replacing antiquated pipes and sewage treatment systems.
  • Meanwhile, dividend payments, funded by water companies loading up on corporate debt, have soared.
  • The largest of those companies, Thames Water, has debts of almost £14 billion – roughly 80% of the value of the assets of the business.
  • Rising inflation and interest rates mean this debt is increasingly expensive to service, let alone reduce.
  • But existing water companies are unlikely to be considered suitable buyers on competition grounds (and many already face similar problems as Thames Water).

Not for profit

    • Welsh Water has a unique corporate structure, with no shareholders and is run solely for the benefit of its customers.
    • While not perfect, its performance in recent years compares favourably with that of the other privatised water companies.
    • Welsh Water’s decisions are made not in the interest of profit-seeking shareholders but in the interests of broader society.
    • Any profits made are either reinvested or returned to its 3 million customers in the form of cheaper services.

Planet Reports Financial Results for First Quarter of Fiscal 2024

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 8, 2023

First quarter gross margin expanded to 53%, compared to 41% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.

Key Points: 
  • First quarter gross margin expanded to 53%, compared to 41% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.
  • First quarter Non-GAAP Gross Margin(1) expanded to 56%, compared to 45% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.
  • (1) Please see “Planet’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for a discussion on how Planet calculates the non-GAAP financial measures presented herein.
  • The actual amount of these expenses during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2024 will have a significant impact on Planet’s future GAAP financial results.

K-12 Solutions Provider LINQ Announces New CEO Bryan Jones

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 15, 2023

LINQ, the leading K-12 education business solutions provider, announced today the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer Bryan Jones effective May 15.

Key Points: 
  • LINQ, the leading K-12 education business solutions provider, announced today the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer Bryan Jones effective May 15.
  • Jones succeeds interim CEO Tim Clifford, who will continue to serve as Executive Chairman.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230515005125/en/
    Bryan Jones is the new CEO of K-12 solutions provider LINQ.
  • “I am thrilled to join LINQ as CEO and excited to work with the incredible team of experts who have served our students, parents and schools for decades,” said Jones, CEO of LINQ.

The long history of Bannau Brycheiniog – the true name of the Brecon Beacons for centuries

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 19, 2023

On its 66th birthday, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park launched a new management plan seeking to combat its greatest challenges: the nature and climate emergencies.

Key Points: 
  • On its 66th birthday, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park launched a new management plan seeking to combat its greatest challenges: the nature and climate emergencies.
  • This plan includes projects to plant trees, protect endangered species and their habitats, and improve the quality of its rivers.
  • From now on, the national park will use only its Welsh name, Bannau Brycheiniog, rather than Brecon Beacons.
  • Bannau Brycheiniog was always the Welsh name for the park, used since it was established in 1957.

Poetry

    • In the 15th century, Ieuan Llawdden composed Moliant Brycheiniog (In Praise of Brycheiniog).
    • As its title suggests, the poem is a celebration of Brycheiniog’s rivers, trees, saints, inhabitants and mountains.
    • The poem encompasses the region “o’r Fan hyd ar Y Fenni” (“from the Fan as far as Y Fenni”).

A medieval kingdom

    • Brycheiniog was a medieval kingdom in south-east Wales.
    • Brychan was a 5th- or 6th-century king who, according to medieval lore, came from Ireland.
    • This is the only example of a medieval crannog in Wales, but they are common in Ireland and Scotland.

Reclamation

    • As early as the 12th century, the cleric, historian and traveller Gerald of Wales complained that the place name Llanddewi Nant Honddu was being corrupted to Llanthony.
    • More recently, groups such as the Welsh Place-Name Society have been working tirelessly to protect Welsh names.