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An agreement setting out the future relationship between the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and Welsh language broadcaster S4C is being opened up to public consultation.

From April 2013, the majority of S4C's funding will be from the licence fee.

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Trust and S4C Authority have drawn up a plan to ensure the editorial and managerial independence of S4C.

But the body representing Welsh independent TV producers is concerned at the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Trust's role in assessing S4C's performance and value for money.

The states: "As well as governing the funding and accountability arrangements between the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Trust and the S4C Authority, the agreement will ensure the editorial and managerial independence of the S4C service."

It also sets out that the largest part of the licence fee contribution to S4C would be on programmes primarily in the Welsh language.

UK Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced the new funding arrangements in 2010.

A year later, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Trust and S4C Authority reached an agreement over the future and funding of S4C until 2017.

A statement at the time said the deal, agreed with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), "will protect the editorial and managerial independence of S4C, whilst safeguarding appropriate accountability to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Trust for licence fee funding spent by the service".

The consultation, which will close on 23 October, wants individuals and groups to give their views on whether a draft Operating Agreement reflects the agreement made in 2011.

The agreement states that "S4C shall retain its editorial and managerial independence from the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ at all times".

The document also includes the following points:

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ National Trustee for Wales, Prof Elan Closs Stephens, said the agreement would build on a successful 30 year partnership between the two broadcasters, balancing S4C's independence with accountability for its use of licence fee funding.

"It's a tricky balance but I hope we've got it right," she told ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Wales.

"I think the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ will be a funder and a firm friend but not someone who is determining hour by hour what is going on screen.

"The biggest success story will be that S4C continues as it is and flourishes and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ is an active collaborator."

Huw Jones, chair of the S4C Authority, added: "There are two public service broadcasters who are deeply concerned about the Welsh language.

"These shared objectives and the agreement will drive us forward to make the best possible use of resources."

The 10-week consultation period will be launched at the National Eisteddfod at Llandow in the Vale of Glamorgan, with .

Iestyn Garlick, chairman of the Welsh independent producers organisation TAC, said they welcomed assurances about S4C's editorial and managerial independence.

But he told ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Cymru there were concerns about the extent of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Trust's power to determine the nature of the service.

"They talk about value for money," he said.

"As soon as you get into assessing what S4C is worth by counting the number of people who watch it you get into the dangerous territory of comparing S4C with ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Alba etc.

"The language is worth more than money."

Mr Garlick said he was also concerned about the prospect of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Trust withholding funds from S4C.

"It is not the trust's place to do this. If that decision has to be taken it should be done by the DCMS or the relevant secretary."