Another inspiring speaker at Cardiff Business Club this week with Dame Elan Clos-Stephens CBE. A distinguished figure in broadcasting, governance and public life. Dame Elan is Electoral Commissioner for Wales, Pro Chancellor of Aberystwyth University and held leadership roles at BBC Wales News S4C and much more!
This was a sold out event. As always, it proved to be an inspiring talk on the history of broadcasting from Marconi to present day, social media and mass communication - but able to communicate to the individual and inspire "belief in your dreams and aspirations make a difference!
Dame Elan urged leaders to embrace change in governance, business, and public service broadcasting. She emphasised the importance of UK media ownership, the modernisation of the BBC licence fee, and a radical rethink of higher education funding.
Memorable quotes and explanations included:
On the subject of TV licencing; "Ownership matters, and the television licence fee is a form of ownership."
Higher Education funding; "Somebody has to grapple with the fact that the funding model we've got at the moment isn't working."
Her belief in a seismic change to this funding; "I'm all for the radical."
Diolch yn Fawr Iawn Dame Elan.