An account of what Daran said is available at Waleshome

The membership of PAC believes that political programming in Wales, including that of the BBC, is essential to developing public engagement and a critical understanding of the legislative and political process. Quality programmes on politics, current affairs and public life in Wales are vital to widening access to decision-making and the transparency of a developing vibrant modern democracy.

A new executive committee for Public Affairs Cymru, the membership organisation for public affairs professionals in Wales, was elected at the AGM tonight. The body has close to 200 members and hosts numerous events throughout the year. The executive have committed to engaging further with BBC Wales and stakeholders on the impact of today’s announcement.

The draft agenda for the evening is as follows. All papers will be circulated via email the week before the meeting:
 
1. Minutes of the last AGM
2. Annual Report of the Executive
3. Financial Statement
4. Elections to the Executive Committee
Buffet & Refreshments - a buffet with wine and soft drinks will be served during the election process.
5. Members Survey results and vote on the membership fee
6. Amendments to the constitution  – Any PAC member that wishes to propose an amendment to the constitution must submit this in writing to me at Chair@publicaffairscymru.org, at least 7 days prior to the AGM.
7. Any other motions  – Any PAC member that wishes to propose a motion must submit this in writing to me at Chair@publicaffairscymru.org, at least 7 days prior to the AGM.
8. Election Results
9. Closing remarks
The new Chair will take over and make closing remarks to the meeting.

Gathering in the Oriel at the Senedd, the turnout of 50+ meant it was a good opportunity for a wide cross-section of the PAC membership to catch up with old acquaintances, meet new members and discuss holiday (or should that be recess?!) plans with AMs. Hosting the event at the Senedd straight after the final plenary session of the term was a fitting end to a year of hard-work in politics and public affairs in Wales. 

The Audience Council were keen to hear opinions and perspectives from PAC members on the BBC’s coverage of the recent election and referendum, and its wider Welsh and network news reporting on political developments in Wales. PAC members raised issues around the terminology used in reports, concerns on the ‘Anglo centricity’ of reporting health and education stories and some of the election-day coverage at both a Wales and network level. Members were also keen to congratulate the BBC on improvements in how the nation-applicability of political developments are reported and the Welsh language coverage of referendum and election day results.

Audience Council members thanked PAC for its input, and will look to further develop links with PAC on similar events and contributions.

Nick Bourne was the guest speaker, and he looked back at his time in the Assembly as well as looking forward to the future of Welsh Conservatism and his perspective on the issues facing the Welsh and UK Governments. Many in attendance are now eagerly awaiting the publication of Nick’s diaries!

With support from Grayling and Positif Politics, guests enjoyed a pre-drinks reception, three-course meal and an after-dinner party in the exclusive downstairs KuKu Club at the Park Plaza. With the annual dinner getting bigger and better each year, PAC Chair Michelle Matheron reflected on members’ contribution to one of the busiest years yet in Welsh public affairs. Organising such a large event requires a lot of work from the PAC Executive, and the efforts of Lia Murphy, Bobbie Davies, Clare Bath and Sali Davies in particular ensured an evening to remember.