BBC Radio Cymru is BBC Cymru Wales's Welsh-language radio station, broadcasting throughout Wales from studios in Cardiff, Bangor, Aberystwyth and Carmarthen on FM since 1977. At the time of its launch it was one of the few FM-only radio services in the UK. The station currently broadcasts for 18.5 hours a day (5.30–24.00) and is also available on DAB digital radio and Freeview within Wales and via satellite TV. Radio Cymru has also been streaming its output on the Internet since January 2005. Between midnight and 5.30 the Radio Cymru frequencies carry the output of BBC Radio 5 Live.
The station 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.
Radio Cymru is similar in format to many "general" radio stations, with news programmes at breakfast (Post Cyntaf), lunchtime (Taro'r Post – a debate-driven programme), and drivetime (Post Prynhawn) alongside DJs who chat to guests and run call-in competitions. Radio Cymru also produces current affairs, drama, features, and youth and sports programming. One of its more unusual programmes is Y Talwrn, a poetry competition in which teams must come up with poetry in specific styles on specific topics.
Read more about BBC Radio Cymru: C2, Presenters
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