- 11/10/2011
- Posted by: Joyce Watson MS
- Category: Feature
![](https://www.joycewatson.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/SAM_0168.jpg)
Regional Assembly Members Joyce Watson and Rebecca Evans have held talk with Tinopolis management over Llanelli job loss fears.
The independent television production company, which employs around 120 full-time staff at its Llanelli base, currently produces programmes for S4C including weekday magazine programme Wedi 7 and sister programme Wedi 3.
In July, as part of a major shake-up in the channel’s programming, S4C announced their decision to cancel Wedi 7 and Wedi 3 from next March and channel chiefs have invited bids for a new format.
Tinopolis founder and chairman Ron Jones told the visiting Mid and West Wales AMs that securing the new contract is crucial to the future of the company’s Llanelli operation. He warned that even if Tinopolis does win the contract for the new magazine show the company may still have to make significant cutbacks, which could lead to job losses in Llanelli and elsewhere.
Speaking shortly after the meeting, Joyce Watson said:
“As the largest local employer in the media industry, the future of Tinopolis is hugely important. I am very concerned that any cutback in its Llanelli operation would have a detrimental effect on the area. Not only could it mean the loss of high-quality, high-skilled jobs from Carmarthenshire, but it could also put at risk the company’s close links with local schools and colleges – links that provide excellent training opportunities for young people.”
Rebecca Evans added: “Tinopolis is an important local employer. I was impressed by their commitment to spotting and developing local young talent.”