BBC Radio Cymru

BBC Radio Cymru is BBC Cymru Wales' Welsh language radio station, broadcasting throughout Wales from Cardiff, Bangor, Swansea and Aberystwyth on FM since 1977. It was one of the few FM-only radio services in the UK at the time of its launch. The station now broadcasts for 20 hours a day (0500–0100) and is also carried on DAB digital radio within Wales, and also on Freeview and satellite. The station has also been broadcasting on the Internet since January 2005.

Radio Cymru first began broadcasting on 3 January 1977 with a news bulletin read by Gwyn Llewelyn, followed by its first programme – the breakfast show Helo Bobol!, presented by Hywel Gwynfryn. Radio Cymru was the first dedicated Welsh language broadcasting outlet, allowing much more airtime for Welsh language programmes than had previously been available on the old Radio 4 Wales (or the Welsh Home Service prior to 1967). Over the years it has done much to promote the language, with its sports commentators coining new terms which later became accepted by Welsh linguists.

It is similar in format to many radio stations with news programmes at breakfast (Post Cyntaf), lunchtime (Taro'r Post – a debate-driven programme) and drivetime (Post Prynhawn), DJs who chat to callers and run competitions and until recently, a daily soap opera (Rhydeglwys). Radio Cymru also produces current affairs, drama, features, youth and sports programming. One of its more unusual programmes is Y Talwrn, a poetry competition in which teams...
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