S4C chief executive Sian Doyle has been fired by S4C management.

In a statement, the authority said she was fired following a report by Cardiff law firm Capital Law commissioned by S4C chairman Rhodri Williams in May and May this year. This follows reports from broadcasters union Bectu, which claimed there was a “toxic and intimidating culture” at the channel, with accusations of a “culture of fear” where “staff are forced to cry” and “too scared” to share their experiences .” .

In a lengthy statement, S4C said that “the nature and weight of the evidence provided is deeply concerning” and that “it is clear from the evidence that action is needed to ensure change at S4C, and there is still much work to be done to address all the issues that arise from the information.”

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The statement said: “To begin making improvements, we must make some changes immediately. Therefore, after receiving detailed legal advice, the members of the S4C Board of Directors made the difficult but unanimous decision to remove the CEO from his role. work towards the appointment of a new leader who can help rebuild an ambitious S4C with a new focus on collaboration and the wellbeing of our colleagues.

“This decision is never easy. However, as members of the S4C Authority, we are confident that this is the right decision for the organization.”

Since October, Ms. Doyle has been stress-free. It’s been a turbulent time for the station, with team member Llynos Griffin-Williams recently fired by Rhodri Williams for what S4C described as “serious misconduct for a number of reasons”, after receiving serious allegations over his behavior at S4C broadcast events. Rugby World Cup. . between Wales and Georgia.

Williams himself was also investigated when an internal report found he behaved in a “menacing, aggressive, menacing and intimidating manner” during a meeting with Griffin-Williams in June, four months before the alleged World Cup incident. rugby. .

In a statement to WalesOnline earlier this week, Griffin-Williams said these findings about Williams made it unacceptable that he was the person who unilaterally decided to fire her and said there had been a “smear campaign” against her in the media.

Doyle, former CEO of telecommunications company TalkTalk and previously EE, succeeds Owen Evans as CEO.

S4C said it apologized “for the stress and distress caused by workplace conduct”.

A full statement on behalf of the S4C Authority:

S4C Board members reviewed evidence provided as part of Capital Law’s S4C workplace fact check. The exercise was launched following serious concerns raised by BECTU in April 2023. The evidence we saw reflects the views and experiences of 96 people who are former S4C employees or partners with whom the organization works. We would like to thank all those who had the opportunity to speak for their openness and willingness to share their experiences.

The nature and weight of the evidence provided was deeply concerning. It was certainly a difficult time for many people. As members of the Authority, we would like to apologize for the stress and distress caused by our conduct in the workplace.

The evidence clearly shows that action is needed to ensure change in S4C and that there is still much work to be done to resolve all the issues raised by the information received. S4C management is committed to ensuring that S4C is a place where our employees are happy and safe, a place where they feel able to perform at their best and thrive. We recognize that we need to rebuild trust in the organisation, not just amongst our employees, but also amongst our partners in the creative sector, the Welsh public and beyond.

To start improving, we need to make some changes right away. Therefore, after receiving detailed legal advice, the members of the S4C Board of Directors made the difficult but unanimous decision to remove the CEO from his role. We will work to appoint a new leader who can help rebuild an ambitious S4C with a renewed focus on collaboration and the well-being of our colleagues.

These decisions are never easy. However, as members of the S4C Authority, we are confident that this is the right decision for the organization.

This is a delicate matter and we must follow due process. As S4C, we must carefully balance our obligations with transparency and the well-being of those involved and it would be inappropriate to add anything to this statement now in relation to the decision announced today.

We will publish a report in due course explaining in more detail the nature of the evidence obtained during the investigation process, the decisions made and the steps we will take to ensure that S4C provides a positive and supportive working environment.