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SPECIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BROADCASTING: HYWEL GWYNFRYN
HYWEL GWYNFRYN
SPECIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BROADCASTING: HYWEL GWYNFRYN
There are few presenters working in world broadcasting as experienced as Hywel Gwynfryn. A beloved and hugely recognisable name in Welsh language television and radio, the recipient of this year’s Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting has been an omnipresent force on the airwaves for six decades.
Born in Llangefni, Anglesey, and a Cardiff resident since 1960, Gwynfryn has been a part of BBC television in the country since 1964 – when he joined the Heddiw (Today) team – and has been presenting on Welshlanguage radio station BBC Radio Cymru since its inception in 1977. His compassionate manner, coupled with incisive questions, has elicited compelling and illuminating interviews with tens of thousands of people and he’s reported on many significant aspects of Welsh life and beyond.
He’s fronted popular Welsh children’s programming and documentaries, too, including his eventful travelogue series Ar dy Feic (On Your Bike), and he’s also been an ever-present reporter from the annual National Eisteddfod of Wales festival. As a writer, he’s penned several pantomimes and books, including an insightful biography of Oscar-winning Welsh actor Hugh Griffith.
About receiving this Special Award, Gwynfryn says: “For the last 60 years, people have talked to me about everything under the sun while I’ve sat and listened. I’ve travelled the world and been paid for having a wonderful time. Now I’m to be presented with a BAFTA. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
