0:00:25 > 0:00:29Dewi Llwyd has recently stopped presenting Newyddion on S4C...
0:00:29 > 0:00:32..after 25 years at the helm.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36I had done my time. I felt it was time for the next generation...
0:00:37 > 0:00:40..and some new voices to have an opportunity.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44The end of years travelling back and forth...
0:00:44 > 0:00:49..between the studio in Cardiff and his home in Bangor.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54That is where I started, on the national radio service.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02I'm going back to what one might call a first love.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07After reaching a certain age...
0:01:07 > 0:01:11..that 200 mile journey became a little overwhelming.
0:01:11 > 0:01:17I'm looking forward to walking 200 yards to the Post Prynhawn studio.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29He worked on Newyddion for three decades...
0:01:29 > 0:01:32..since the very start in 1982.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35It's an opportunity to look back on a career...
0:01:35 > 0:01:38..in which he was a witness to history.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51A very warm welcome to you...
0:01:51 > 0:01:55..joining us for the first time on S4C.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58They say it's easy to relight an old flame...
0:01:59 > 0:02:02..but we want to light a bonfire.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08'82. Owen Edwards welcoming the viewers to S4C.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11What are your early memories of the channel?
0:02:11 > 0:02:16There was a lot of excitement in those days.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18I didn't broadcast on the first night...
0:02:19 > 0:02:22..but I did broadcast on the second night.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25I don't remember what I was discussing...
0:02:26 > 0:02:29..but I was the first parliamentary correspondent in 1982...
0:02:29 > 0:02:33..and it was a very exciting time.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37In one sense, the channel was at its best in those days...
0:02:38 > 0:02:40..as one of four channels.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42The audience was there.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47He volunteered to be the first parliamentary correspondent.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49No-one else wanted the job.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54His first general election was a baptism of fire.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59That election in 1983 stands out...
0:02:59 > 0:03:04..as the worst programme I have ever presented.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08I have vivid memories of Gwyn Llewelyn and I presenting...
0:03:08 > 0:03:12..and between us with a blackboard and a map...
0:03:12 > 0:03:15..was a reporter called Rod Richards.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19First, let's look at the map of Wales.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28As you can see, Wrexham is red...
0:03:28 > 0:03:32..after John Marek held on for Labour.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35He had a sheet of paper and a blackboard...
0:03:36 > 0:03:41..trying to explain the swing and which seats had been lost.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45It was a complete mess.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49The main thing I remember is announcing the Gower result.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54It was a solid Labour seat and Gareth Wardell was the MP.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58And we've just heard that the Conservatives have taken Gower.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02That is an astonishing result.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05The Tories have taken Gower from Labour...
0:04:05 > 0:04:09..so Gareth Wardell has lost his seat.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12We'll have more details in a moment.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Gwyn Llewelyn turned to Lord Cledwyn, the former...
0:04:15 > 0:04:19..Labour Cabinet Minister, to analyse this for ten minutes.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24It's a surprise because it's been a safe Labour seat.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28The Tories have more than half of the vote.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33I'd be surprised if there's another result like this one.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38I was given a piece of paper saying it was a mistake.
0:04:38 > 0:04:44I had to apologise. "Gareth Wardell is safe with a clear majority."
0:04:44 > 0:04:46I'm embarrassed just thinking about it.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50I've got a note here which I ignored earlier.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54It says Labour have held on to Gower.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Are we correct? Can anybody confirm that?
0:04:58 > 0:05:00That's the correct result on the screen.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03We made a terrible mistake earlier.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08Those are the figures I expected to see. Thank you.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16In the 1980s, he started a career as a foreign correspondent.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20One of the biggest stories was the famine in Africa...
0:05:20 > 0:05:23..and it's burnt into his memory.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28By watching the screen in the lounge...
0:05:28 > 0:05:31..we've seen some terrible things over the years...
0:05:32 > 0:05:37..but being within feet of these people who were suffering...
0:05:38 > 0:05:40..was a shocking experience.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45The food has arrived after six hours.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49They get one meal a day from the Red Cross.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53It's not enough to help them grow...
0:05:53 > 0:05:58..but it will keep them going for a month or two.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01You remember the details as well.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04We took food like biscuits with us...
0:06:04 > 0:06:10..and after seeing that, you feel like handing out some biscuits...
0:06:11 > 0:06:14..but we were banned from doing that...
0:06:14 > 0:06:19..in case it caused chaos or started some sort of riot.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23But that feeling of being unable to help...
0:06:24 > 0:06:27..is still with me 25 years later.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28At times like those...
0:06:29 > 0:06:34..the reporter suggests that the situation is disgraceful.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38You can't fail to remember the comments of aid workers...
0:06:38 > 0:06:40..because they work so hard.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Trident, for example, could pay for the UN's food programme...
0:06:44 > 0:06:46..for ten years.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53The reporter is a witness, is unbiased...
0:06:53 > 0:06:58..and is there to broadcast. Have you ever felt that was irrelevant?
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Very often. Particularly with humanitarian workers.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05In that situation, you describe what is going on...
0:07:05 > 0:07:09..and you hope it has an impact back home.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Charities would support that.
0:07:12 > 0:07:18And if you're completely honest, you're happy that you can leave...
0:07:18 > 0:07:24..all the dust and the dirt when it's time to go home.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27But you are full of admiration for the people...
0:07:28 > 0:07:32..who are working there for charitable organisations.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34It's a humbling experience.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39You do your job, but other people do far more important work.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44In Wales, the headlines were full of angst.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50Political polarisation after the referendum on devolution in '79.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54North Wales Police have questioned nine men from Gwynedd.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58They were arrested this morning but have since been released.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02There were also social divisions.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07You should be ashamed of yourself! A farmer yourself...
0:08:07 > 0:08:10One group after another fighting against...
0:08:10 > 0:08:12..Margaret Thatcher's Tory government.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14It's crunch time.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17CHEERING
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Wales has changed a lot, hasn't it?
0:08:21 > 0:08:25The biggest change might be, during the '80s...
0:08:25 > 0:08:29..there was lots of violence and bitterness...
0:08:29 > 0:08:34..and there were also fierce political clashes.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39We had prominent Welsh figures like the late Elwyn Jones...
0:08:39 > 0:08:42..on the side of the Tories.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46People were prepared to shout at each other...
0:08:47 > 0:08:48..in a very emotional way.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Doesn't that please you? Doesn't that please you?
0:08:54 > 0:08:58Doesn't it please any of you? Oh, cheer up. Cheer up.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Mrs Thatcher was in her pomp.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05This man has done a fabulous job in the Welsh Development Agency.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Don't you think he's done a fabulous job?
0:09:08 > 0:09:12A heroine to some, a villain to others...
0:09:12 > 0:09:14..and a master of political spin.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19The closest I got to her was when Mrs Thatcher travelled to Russia...
0:09:19 > 0:09:23..in 1987 about three or four months before the election.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29She got an amazing reception from the Russians in those days.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34She could also milk the appreciation.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38She loved being among them and I remember feeling uneasy...
0:09:39 > 0:09:42..about being a reporter on that trip.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46But I realized what great publicity this was...
0:09:46 > 0:09:50..for Mrs Thatcher back home, three months before the election.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54This was the last decade of the Cold War...
0:09:54 > 0:09:57..and disarmament was top of the agenda.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00Ronald Reagan from the United States...
0:10:01 > 0:10:03..and Mikhail Gorbachev from the Soviet Union...
0:10:04 > 0:10:05..reached an historic agreement.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10There could be no winner in a nuclear war.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13You were at every summit in all weather conditions.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17Yes. In cold weather, the first thing to disappear...
0:10:17 > 0:10:22..in my experience, was the ability to talk normally.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24The bottom lip started to freeze.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28I remember being in Geneva, Reykjavik, and in Washington...
0:10:28 > 0:10:30..trying to talk sensibly.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34Both leaders talked about a safe path towards the next century.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38They carry the burden of history.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43A major event, and we were broadcasting live from Washington.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49Journalists like to think that they write the first draft of history.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54But this foreign correspondent could rely on S4C viewers...
0:10:54 > 0:10:57..to keep his feet on the ground.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59It was 1986, in Reykjavik.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02It was another summit between Reagan and Gorbachev.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07I have no idea what I was doing talking to Miss World.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12In that year, Miss Iceland was Miss World.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Her name was Hofi Karlsdottir.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20Everybody was having their photo taken with Miss World...
0:11:20 > 0:11:24..as Reagan and Gorbachev discussed nuclear weapons.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29I decided to ask her to say "Noswaith dda" in Welsh.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32SHE SPEAKS ICELANDIC
0:11:33 > 0:11:34Noswaith dda.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Two of the world's most powerful leaders...
0:11:37 > 0:11:42..and everyone remembers Miss World saying "Noswaith dda" in Welsh.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Noswaith dda.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56It's been a long journey for the presenter, Dewi Llwyd.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Three decades on S4C's Newyddion team.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05The end of an era as a witness to some of the time's biggest events.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09After the Berlin Wall came down...
0:12:09 > 0:12:13..there wasn't as astonishing a decade as the '90s.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15This was a new world.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19For foreign broadcasting in Welsh this was a golden age.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24The motto back then was do everything in Welsh.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29Because it was possible that's what we did.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Whatever happens in the 90s the first election in the new Germany...
0:12:34 > 0:12:39..was an opportunity to thank the team that was in power...
0:12:39 > 0:12:41..when the Wall came down.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45I went out for the unification ceremony...
0:12:45 > 0:12:49..and the first elections were being held at that time.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55"I am so glad we have one Germany", said this man.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58In the same year I went to Prague...
0:12:58 > 0:13:03..for the first free elections in Czechoslovakia.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Election.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Good evening from Prague. Within a few months...
0:13:11 > 0:13:14..the old Communist world has been transformed...
0:13:14 > 0:13:18..as the wind of democracy blows across the Continent.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23I remember, a Sunday night, S4C's main viewing hours...
0:13:23 > 0:13:28..and we broadcast a results programme live from Prague.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32It's hard to believe that here last November, 500,000 people...
0:13:32 > 0:13:34..protested against the Communist regime.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41It was also an opportunity to see other big European stories...
0:13:41 > 0:13:45..such as the growth of the extreme right in France...
0:13:45 > 0:13:47..from a Welsh perspective.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50They come in their thousands to rallies such as this...
0:13:51 > 0:13:55..as the National Front hope to do better than ever...
0:13:55 > 0:13:57..in the regional elections.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01The people at the top were asked difficult questions.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06In the case of Jean-Marie Le Pen, they were asked in French.
0:14:06 > 0:14:12Is there a difference between immigrants from North Africa...
0:14:12 > 0:14:18..and the English and Germans who buy holiday homes in France?
0:14:21 > 0:14:25One is European and the other isn't.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30The English and the Germans come from countries...
0:14:30 > 0:14:36..that have close ties with our country.
0:14:38 > 0:14:4320 years later, I do look back and wonder if leaders...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46..would be as venturesome and enthusiastic...
0:14:46 > 0:14:49..to do that again today.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53I doubt it would happen for mostly financial reasons...
0:14:53 > 0:14:58..and perhaps because the philosophy has changed as well.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04But some foreign stories are impossible to ignore in any period.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Nelson Mandela's release was truly historic.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13Then in 1994, an equal vote was given to the black people...
0:15:13 > 0:15:16..in South Africa's first free election.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19From a journalistic point of view...
0:15:19 > 0:15:23..the biggest honour was going to South Africa at that time.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29What strikes someone is that story is extraordinary...
0:15:29 > 0:15:34..because, on the whole, it's a story of hope and good news.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39There is an amazing atmosphere here. No suggestion of clashes or threats.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44Everyone's enjoying a party spirit as they vote for the first time.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47You asked them, you've been here for four hours.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52"We've been waiting four centuries to be able to vote."
0:15:52 > 0:15:57Do we in Britain realize we're so privileged in being able to vote?
0:15:58 > 0:16:02I, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela...
0:16:04 > 0:16:05..do hereby swear...
0:16:06 > 0:16:10..to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14A day South African's will remember for ever...
0:16:14 > 0:16:19..and it's all happening in such a peaceful and joyous atmosphere.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22That remains a thrilling feeling.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26But there was a deeper story to report...
0:16:26 > 0:16:30..about a divide between black and white which was slow to close.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35The blacks were not only poorer but faced daily threats of violence.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37HE SHOUTS
0:16:39 > 0:16:43It was there that I had one of the most frightening experiences...
0:16:44 > 0:16:46..I've ever had while reporting.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48We were walking through this place...
0:16:49 > 0:16:55..with derelict buildings which you couldn't really call homes...
0:16:55 > 0:16:58..and everyone looking at you very suspiciously.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03We were a small handful of white men walking along the street...
0:17:03 > 0:17:05..which had sewage running along its side...
0:17:06 > 0:17:11..and suddenly, a man attacked another man and stabbed him.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16He fell in front of us. What does a reporter do in that situation?
0:17:16 > 0:17:20You have no choice. Nobody else was helping him.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22We had to do something.
0:17:22 > 0:17:28But the situation was that he didn't want to be taken to hospital.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31He didn't want the police to know.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35There was blood pouring out of his leg and his side...
0:17:35 > 0:17:39..and we had to take him by car to his friend's home.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43You feel so useless when faced with such a situation.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45But you know what?
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Those things happened every hour, every day, every week.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54But closer to home, events beyond the news headlines...
0:17:54 > 0:17:58..occupied Dewi Llwyd for a full week in early August.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00I enjoyed going to the Eisteddfod.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05I liked nothing better than interviewing the crowned bard...
0:18:05 > 0:18:10..or whoever had won the chair in an Eisteddfod like Bro Colwyn...
0:18:10 > 0:18:14..when two members of the Parc Nest family won. Fantastic.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19Despite the difference in size, we are two brothers.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22APPLAUSE
0:18:23 > 0:18:28Hollywood writers would have found it hard to script a week like this.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33It's been memorable on many counts but we could refer to it...
0:18:33 > 0:18:35..as the Parc Nest Eisteddfod.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39I don't remember now when he was born...
0:18:40 > 0:18:41..but I was there.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50The Eisteddfod always brought unexpected and unusual things.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54You wouldn't believe a news presenter would do such things.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59Much thinner ones than this make good chips, like Continental frites.
0:19:00 > 0:19:01You try those.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03I don't like the look of them!
0:19:02 > 0:19:03They look OK.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06They smell of old fat.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06I'll try one.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08The fat smells bad.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10I can't eat them, I'm afraid.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15In terms of news, the biggest year of the decade was 1997.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19The first big challenge was the general election.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23The Conservatives had been in power for 18 years...
0:19:23 > 0:19:27..and people thought Labour may never be elected.
0:19:28 > 0:19:29It's a sea of red.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Incredible. There isn't another election which compares...
0:19:34 > 0:19:37..in terms of majority or swing or anything.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39'Earthquake' isn't enough to describe this change.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43We have a new Labour Government from today on.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45I think I've presented...
0:19:45 > 0:19:51..the results programmes of seven general elections by now...
0:19:51 > 0:19:55..four Assembly elections and two referendums.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58As a broadcaster, I must admit...
0:19:58 > 0:20:03..they're the highlights of my career.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07Gathering that information together and making it interesting...
0:20:07 > 0:20:12..and exciting is one of the biggest challenges facing any broadcasters.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Welcome to the big count.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18On the whole, I must say, firstly, I've enjoyed it...
0:20:18 > 0:20:21..and secondly, the programmes have hugely improved.
0:20:24 > 0:20:30In '97, within four months of Tony Blair and New Labour's victory...
0:20:30 > 0:20:33..another big story was dominating the headlines.
0:20:35 > 0:20:41We'd just returned from holiday and was starting work on the Monday...
0:20:41 > 0:20:44..but very, very early on the Sunday morning...
0:20:45 > 0:20:48..there was a call from the editor in Cardiff.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54I was awoken from a deep sleep to hear, "Dewi, come to Cardiff now.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56"Diana has died."
0:21:02 > 0:21:06The whole world has been shocked and saddened...
0:21:06 > 0:21:08..by the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20Central to it all was the emotional service at Westminster Abbey.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31I remember how much emotion there was.
0:21:32 > 0:21:38People thought there was a change in the British people...
0:21:38 > 0:21:42..for displaying their emotions to such an extent.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45You look back at significant events...
0:21:45 > 0:21:51..and retrospectively, it may not be an historical milestone...
0:21:51 > 0:21:55..but yet at the time, it was a big event.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02And just a fortnight later, another big story.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Less than 20 years after the electorate...
0:22:06 > 0:22:08..opposed devolution in '79, another referendum.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Amazing is the only word to describe the night.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15I had a panel of politicians, Rod Richards among them.
0:22:15 > 0:22:21Dafydd Iwan was another one. For him in particular, it was a big night.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25For him, this was the culmination of a lifelong battle.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30At 3am, I remember Dafydd having to leave the studio...
0:22:30 > 0:22:34..because there were tears in his eyes and he wanted to go outside.
0:22:34 > 0:22:40He was emotional because he realised that the battle was lost...
0:22:40 > 0:22:43..and the 'No' vote would win.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47After that, I doubt we can win tonight.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50On the other hand, Rod Richards was all smiles.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54You don't have to show it every time, some Assembly talking shop...
0:22:54 > 0:22:58As the clock moved towards 4am...
0:22:58 > 0:23:03..I suddenly sensed John Meredith trying to tell me something.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08The situation may well change after we hear Carmarthen's result.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12I know we shouldn't speak before the result...
0:23:12 > 0:23:16..but the 'No' campaign has almost a 16,000 majority.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Are you telling me in some kind of code...
0:23:20 > 0:23:25..that the majority may be more for the 'Yes' in Carmarthenshire?
0:23:25 > 0:23:29The simple answer to that, Dewi, is yes.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33John, of course, said yes. That was revealed before any other programme.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37There was soon official confirmation.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41The majority in Carmarthenshire was enough to swing the vote...
0:23:41 > 0:23:44..in favour of the 'Yes' campaign.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50It seems to me that this appears to mean...
0:23:50 > 0:23:56..that the Assembly has received the approval of the majority of voters.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59We're dramatic people, that's all I'll say.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04It's the most significant day in the history of Wales as a nation...
0:24:04 > 0:24:06..since Owain Glyndwr's rebellion over 500 years ago.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12It culminated in the opening of the first Assembly in 1999.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to Cardiff Bay...
0:24:18 > 0:24:22..on a big day in the history of Wales.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25The trouble is, work and pleasure can often collide.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28It seems the most memorable occasion...
0:24:28 > 0:24:33..so memorable that I can give you the date right now...
0:24:33 > 0:24:37..May the 26th, 1999.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42That was the day Manchester United finally reached...
0:24:42 > 0:24:45..the Champions League final in Barcelona.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49I'd been to the games right through the competition.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53I had a ticket to go and see this big game.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58All I had to do was ask the editors for two days' leave.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00The request was refused.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04The Queen was coming down from London...
0:25:04 > 0:25:07..to open the first Assembly.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Your Royal Highnesses...
0:25:10 > 0:25:14..modestly but with pride, we come together today...
0:25:15 > 0:25:17..on a crossroads in Welsh history.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21I sincerely hope the viewers will forgive me...
0:25:21 > 0:25:24..but that was the one day in my career...
0:25:24 > 0:25:27..when I didn't want to be broadcasting.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32It's not my place on a day like today to pour cold water on things...
0:25:32 > 0:25:38I didn't see a frame of the game until the second half.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42I was sitting in a portakabin in Cardiff Bay...
0:25:42 > 0:25:45..with two technicians, watching this big game.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49Of course, the result was excellent with United winning 2-1...
0:25:49 > 0:25:51..in the final minutes.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Have you forgiven the bosses now?
0:25:53 > 0:25:57The story may be forgotten...
0:25:56 > 0:25:57It isn't!
0:25:57 > 0:26:02..but I'll remember that day for many reasons. For ever.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05This is an historic day for Wales.
0:26:07 > 0:26:13I would like to wish her well from the bottom of my heart.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25Dewi Llwyd has retired from presenting the Welsh language news.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29He's leaving Cardiff and returning to North Wales.
0:26:29 > 0:26:35There is no better sight than crossing Bwlch yr Oerddrws...
0:26:35 > 0:26:38..towards Meirionnydd, with Snowdon and Gwynedd ahead of me.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41I know I'm on my way home.
0:26:41 > 0:26:47In three decades, one event above all else remains in the memory.
0:26:52 > 0:26:53Oh, my God!
0:26:55 > 0:26:59September 2001 and the world turns its attention...
0:26:59 > 0:27:03..to the terrorist attacks that defined the new century.
0:27:04 > 0:27:09I remember, as do so many of my colleagues, the day it happened...
0:27:09 > 0:27:14..because you just stood in shock in front of the TV screen.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18You had seen one plane crash into the Towers...
0:27:18 > 0:27:22..and you stood there open-mouthed as a second crashed.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27I remember turning to my colleagues and saying, "Terrorists."
0:27:27 > 0:27:33You were immediately aware this was an hugely significant incident.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Terrorism against our nation will not stand.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40I didn't arrive in New York until three weeks later.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42I returned there a year later.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45One Welshman considers himself lucky.
0:27:45 > 0:27:50Stephen Evans was on the ground floor of one of the Towers.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Are people still discussing what happened?
0:27:54 > 0:27:58In the city itself, people aren't really talking about it.
0:27:58 > 0:28:03People are thinking about it, but not many are talking.
0:28:03 > 0:28:08As the 16 acres are prepared for new development...
0:28:08 > 0:28:11..there remains one concern...
0:28:11 > 0:28:14..the fear that a similar incident could happen again.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18I returned there 10 years later...
0:28:18 > 0:28:21..and the city had returned to the way it was...
0:28:21 > 0:28:26..full of excitement, as busy as ever, but the scars remained.
0:28:26 > 0:28:31Welcome to New York on the day America remembered...
0:28:31 > 0:28:34..those killed exactly a decade ago.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39A ceremony was held at Ground Zero, in the memorial garden...
0:28:39 > 0:28:44..built on the site of the Towers that fell on that chilling day.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48That was possibly one of the biggest stories...
0:28:48 > 0:28:50..during my time as a presenter.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53It led to two wars.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58The war in Afghanistan still rumbles on...
0:28:58 > 0:29:01..along with the controversial decision to enter Iraq...
0:29:01 > 0:29:03..to topple Saddam Hussein.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09When the history books look back at Tony Blair's time in charge...
0:29:09 > 0:29:12..they'll focus on what happened in Iraq.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Following the Iraq War, came the nightmare of 7/7...
0:29:18 > 0:29:21..a cruel terrorist attack on the streets of London.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27You remember the shock that such a thing could happen in the UK.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30We were used to reporting on IRA bombs...
0:29:31 > 0:29:36..but this was a different enemy, a mysterious enemy...
0:29:36 > 0:29:40..born and brought up in Britain.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45Pawb a'i Farn featured Welsh stories.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49Despite retiring from Newyddion, Dewi Llwyd continues to present...
0:29:49 > 0:29:51..the weekly show.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55We've visited this area many times before.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00Pawb a'i Farn has given attention to the important subjects...
0:30:00 > 0:30:06..over the years - the economy, certainly the language...
0:30:06 > 0:30:08..and without a doubt, agriculture.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12The farming unions are prepared to complain about all sorts of things.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Foot and mouth disease is another.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20I remember one person complaining that we discussed agriculture...
0:30:20 > 0:30:22..so regularly on Pawb a'i Farn.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26"I'm tempted to call you Pawb a'i Fferm, Dewi!"
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Meeting the audience, you enjoy that.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Yes, that's true.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Broadcasters need to remember the audience.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39Who's watching, who's interested? That's not easy in modern Wales.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42You try to appeal to everyone...
0:30:42 > 0:30:46..and there are different concerns in different parts of the country.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50But I've been lucky during this past 15 years...
0:30:50 > 0:30:54..going out and meeting the Pawb a'i Farn audiences...
0:30:54 > 0:30:57..the people who watch S4C.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01The council want us in the dark. Maybe Tesco will sneak in!
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Well done! I like that!
0:31:08 > 0:31:13When I'd return to Cardiff for the News Department meetings...
0:31:13 > 0:31:19..I could voice the concerns held by the general public.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25In 2008, Dewi Llwyd was on the road once again.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30This time, following presidential candidate Barack Obama.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35He's reported on every US election since 1984.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40Good evening from Washington, and the dawn of a new political era.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Bill Clinton is the first Democrat to win since 1976.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47In the end, it was a comfortable victory.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50I was fascinated by America.
0:31:50 > 0:31:55It's possibly the biggest culture and power...
0:31:55 > 0:31:57..as far as the modern world...
0:31:57 > 0:32:02..and you therefore felt it was a good place from which to report.
0:32:02 > 0:32:03And I got my opportunity.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09I had the privilege of travellingacross America...
0:32:10 > 0:32:15...from Cardiff in California to Bangor in Pennsylvania...
0:32:15 > 0:32:19..and that of course imitated my weekly commute...
0:32:19 > 0:32:22..from Bangor to Cardiff.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27There was great excitement at the prospect of a black president.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31This is a crucial election in a country that has seen...
0:32:31 > 0:32:35..great change and is less certain of itself than it once was.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37And the rest of the world is watching.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41We love this country too much to let the next four years...
0:32:41 > 0:32:43..go like the last eight.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48The country has been uncertain, insular and isolated.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51The two candidates, in particular Barack Obama...
0:32:51 > 0:32:55..say they're keen to change that, but whoever wins the election...
0:32:55 > 0:32:58..faces quite a challenge.
0:32:58 > 0:33:03It was a chance to interview Welsh speakers across the country...
0:33:03 > 0:33:06..no-one more memorable than two contributors...
0:33:07 > 0:33:09..in Bangor, Pennsylvania.
0:33:09 > 0:33:15We visited the home of Richard and Bronwen Pritchard.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18How have you managed to maintain your Welsh? In chapel?
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Yes.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23And at home, my mother and father's home.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27What about the election?
0:33:27 > 0:33:32Too much talk and too little action. I don't know.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34I don't care who wins.
0:33:35 > 0:33:41Both of them spoke Welsh and neither of them was born in Wales.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44They'd been to Wales once on holiday.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47The Welshness was strong here.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51They showed me a photo of the Sunday School in the '30s.
0:33:51 > 0:33:56Dozens of people at this Welsh Sunday School in the 1930s.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00I chatted to them in Welsh with this couple who were in their 90s.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03What a fantastic experience!
0:34:03 > 0:34:07How have you managed to continue speaking Welsh?
0:34:07 > 0:34:09The chapel...
0:34:09 > 0:34:13..reading books and looking at photographs...
0:34:13 > 0:34:15..and a little longing.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19Unfortunately, they have both passed on...
0:34:20 > 0:34:24..and the Welsh culture is fading in America.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29Obama, the world's most powerful man, made more history...
0:34:29 > 0:34:32..in winning a second term in 2012.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36But in Wales, the story of a vulnerable little girl...
0:34:36 > 0:34:38..made the headlines.
0:34:38 > 0:34:44We are desperate for any news. April is only five years old.
0:34:44 > 0:34:50There are so many occasions where there are worrying stories.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55I've just been in Machynlleth, reporting on April Jones.
0:34:57 > 0:34:58It was a quiet town.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03Today, people could not believe such a thing could happen here...
0:35:03 > 0:35:08..such a frightening development on the streets of this small town.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13Great sadness, but also the people of the town coming together...
0:35:13 > 0:35:18..uniting in an heroic effort to try and find her.
0:35:18 > 0:35:23It was very hard to deal with people who were so concerned...
0:35:23 > 0:35:27..and after a couple of days they were grieving...
0:35:27 > 0:35:32..as they realised that maybe April would not return.
0:35:32 > 0:35:38That kind of thing certainly affects you as a presenter.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42It's one of those stories I will remember for the rest of my life.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01Dewi Llwyd's journey through TV news is drawing to a close.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06So too, decades of travelling between Cardiff and Bangor.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10If I had the right to an opinion, maybe we should have...
0:36:10 > 0:36:13..a better road linking North and South Wales.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23This must be an extremely odd experience.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26You're not asking the questions. You're answering them.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29It's a strange experience.
0:36:29 > 0:36:34On the whole, it's an experience I've managed to purposely avoid...
0:36:34 > 0:36:38..because I prefer to ask the questions...
0:36:38 > 0:36:43..and on the whole, I don't have anything much of interest to say.
0:36:43 > 0:36:49I'd say there is a performer's ego in there somewhere...
0:36:49 > 0:36:53..but I would argue you don't need too much of that.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57A performance can come between the viewer and the story.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02And the story being told is the most important thing...
0:37:02 > 0:37:05..not the person telling the story.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08The presenter is in the living room night after night.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11They always know you're "that news man!"
0:37:11 > 0:37:15I was in Bangor and this woman dragged her husband over...
0:37:15 > 0:37:19..and said to him, "Look, it's Arfon Haines Davies."
0:37:22 > 0:37:24That was me put in my place!
0:37:24 > 0:37:26She knew I presented the news...
0:37:26 > 0:37:30..but wasn't sure of the name and what does it matter?
0:37:31 > 0:37:34Were you ever nervous or anything?
0:37:35 > 0:37:39I must admit that on the whole, I never really got nervous.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44You can't be too nervous because when things go wrong...
0:37:44 > 0:37:49..you need the presenter to be there to smooth things over.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53You're trying to be like the traditional swan...
0:37:53 > 0:37:59..calm above the surface, but paddling madly under the desk.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02I remember coming across Brian Hanrahan in Geneva...
0:38:02 > 0:38:07..asking, "How's Dewi? He could have been so big in London."
0:38:07 > 0:38:11Did you ever feel the urge to work in English?
0:38:12 > 0:38:14You could have interviewed anyone.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18Honestly, no. I never felt the urge to do that.
0:38:18 > 0:38:24I have nothing against colleagues, like you, Bethan...
0:38:24 > 0:38:28..doing that, but I made a decision very early on...
0:38:28 > 0:38:32..that I wanted to contribute through the medium of Welsh...
0:38:33 > 0:38:36..and in Wales, where possible.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39But that closed so many journalistic doors.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44I had the opportunity to be with people like Brian Hanrahan...
0:38:45 > 0:38:49..and Martin Bell, John Simpson and so on travelling the world...
0:38:49 > 0:38:53..and I had two or three offers to go to London...
0:38:53 > 0:38:55..but I wasn't tempted.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00I wasn't looking for that - "You could have been so big."
0:39:00 > 0:39:06I was entirely happy doing what I was doing. I felt privileged.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11Dewi Llwyd remained faithful to BBC Wales and S4C...
0:39:11 > 0:39:15..but little else remained the same in the world of broadcasting.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18There were great technological changes.
0:39:18 > 0:39:24You have seen a revolution in the way news is collated and presented.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28We're in a world of Twitter, Facebook.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32You have to smile when you look back...
0:39:32 > 0:39:35..because there's been a revolution.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39I started with the old-fashioned typewriter...
0:39:39 > 0:39:42..where you bashed those keys.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46You couldn't work here without noticing the influence...
0:39:47 > 0:39:51..of the image and hours of footage reach us here.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55As far as the technological revolution, it's remarkable.
0:39:56 > 0:40:02And now I have far younger colleagues who are so talented.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06They have to do the camera work and can do the camera work...
0:40:06 > 0:40:12..they can edit, then can carry the whole thing into a hotel room...
0:40:12 > 0:40:17..edit their own work and send it from wherever they are...
0:40:17 > 0:40:21..via the internet, it's a miracle, and that is the future.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25And that's the end.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Yes, stand by VT5.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31But you could argue that everyone's a journalist now...
0:40:31 > 0:40:35..everyone takes photos on their phones.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39Does that dilute the craft, if it is a craft at all these days?
0:40:40 > 0:40:44Well, it means that there are endless sources available.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Everyone can contribute.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50We can receive information from anywhere.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54With Twitter, for example, if it is managed properly...
0:40:54 > 0:40:58..it can be an invaluable resource.
0:40:59 > 0:41:04It is advantageous for our democracy, in general.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08Throughout all the changes and the digital revolution...
0:41:08 > 0:41:12..Dewi Llwyd has continued to support quality programmes...
0:41:12 > 0:41:14..in grammatically sound Welsh.
0:41:14 > 0:41:21Welsh broadcasting, I want to ensure that works...
0:41:21 > 0:41:28..as best it can and I always thought that part of it...
0:41:28 > 0:41:33..in the newsroom was that the relationship...
0:41:33 > 0:41:37..between the two big corporations, S4C and the BBC...
0:41:37 > 0:41:41..could have been better, at times.
0:41:41 > 0:41:46And that was something that disappointed me a little...
0:41:46 > 0:41:51..because both were like a couple of fighting cockerels...
0:41:51 > 0:41:55..and using public money in doing so.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59The impression I get is that things are improving...
0:41:59 > 0:42:04..and that will benefit the programmes and the language.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08What do you make of the language in broadcasting?
0:42:08 > 0:42:12We need to be clear, brief, understandable...
0:42:12 > 0:42:17..but we need to be correct and we need to pass on a language...
0:42:17 > 0:42:19..that is worth passing on.
0:42:19 > 0:42:24I'm not that worried about the language of our contributors.
0:42:24 > 0:42:29It reflects the Welsh language in Wales right now.
0:42:29 > 0:42:34But as far as broadcasters, I'm afraid that over the years...
0:42:35 > 0:42:38..I have continued to expect the highest standards.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42But there have been calls for us to simplify language over the years...
0:42:42 > 0:42:46..including over the past few months.
0:42:46 > 0:42:52I'm not sure if I can simplify what I broadcast any further.
0:42:52 > 0:42:58And maybe I would not like to see if diluted any further.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01I'm not sure if it's our place to change language...
0:43:01 > 0:43:04..to make it more understandable.
0:43:05 > 0:43:10You would not expect to see that happening in the English bulletins.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14The sober presenter in a suit and tie...
0:43:14 > 0:43:18..was never afraid to laugh at himself either.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20A few clips still raise a smile.
0:43:20 > 0:43:25You're ashamed of them over 20 years later.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29What on earth was wrong with you?
0:43:29 > 0:43:35But as I suggested, the people back at the office in Cardiff...
0:43:35 > 0:43:37..want to see you on the spot.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41Good evening from the Shetland Islands.
0:43:39 > 0:43:48The weather is making it impossible to cope with this disaster.
0:43:48 > 0:43:53As you can see, the waves are crashing into the rocks...
0:43:53 > 0:43:55..beneath my feet.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58Why make a fool of yourself?
0:43:58 > 0:44:02It's a classic example of everyone at home looking at you...
0:44:02 > 0:44:06..wondering, "Dewi, what are you doing?"
0:44:07 > 0:44:11They're not listening to a word you're saying.
0:44:11 > 0:44:17What will happen to the ties? The glasses have shrunk over the years.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19It will be so different.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23I won't need as many ties and you're right about the glasses.
0:44:23 > 0:44:25I don't know why I wore them!
0:44:26 > 0:44:28Fashion!
0:44:27 > 0:44:28They looked awful.
0:44:28 > 0:44:33And the ties, well, I had an excess.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37If I sat down and began counting, until six months ago...
0:44:37 > 0:44:41..I'm sure it would have been around 400!
0:44:41 > 0:44:43Blimey!
0:44:43 > 0:44:48I don't love ties, but that was the ideal gift.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52If someone was looking for a gift, they'd choose a tie for me.
0:44:52 > 0:44:54Do you have a favourite? A lucky tie?
0:44:55 > 0:44:58There is a tie I wore for a couple of elections.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01Good evening. The polling stations are about to close..
0:45:02 > 0:45:04..and the drama is about to begin.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09It was chosen carefully because all four colours were there.
0:45:09 > 0:45:14The red, the blue, the green and the yellow.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16Extremely balanced!
0:45:16 > 0:45:21You learn how to walk the middle path, unbiased...
0:45:22 > 0:45:26..and in that, maybe my surname says it all!
0:45:26 > 0:45:29You tend to see the grey!
0:45:29 > 0:45:33You've interviewed all kinds of people. The best?
0:45:33 > 0:45:35The most interesting conversation?
0:45:35 > 0:45:39Interviewing the Dalai Lama was a great experience...
0:45:39 > 0:45:42..because I still remember over 20 years later...
0:45:42 > 0:45:48..that smile, it's like a treasure, sunshine...
0:45:49 > 0:45:52..smiling upon you as you interview him.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55That's the personality, the image he presents...
0:45:55 > 0:45:58..and that's what he was like for an hour in his company...
0:45:59 > 0:46:03..when I visited India, the Tibetan leader...
0:46:03 > 0:46:05..now in exile for over 60 years.
0:46:06 > 0:46:11It is here that the language is kept, traditions treasured...
0:46:11 > 0:46:14..and religion, above all, has a central place.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18A religion of which the Dalai Lama is the main Earthly representative.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22You can't help but be charmed by this man...
0:46:22 > 0:46:27..who was criticised for not using violent means...
0:46:27 > 0:46:30..to secure a motherland for his people.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34Through violence, you may gain something.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37And superficially, some result.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41But at the same time, it very often creates another problem.
0:46:45 > 0:46:50I'm certainly a more tolerant person, I think...
0:46:51 > 0:46:53..than I was in the early days.
0:46:53 > 0:46:58I am a redhead and I may have been more fiery back then.
0:46:58 > 0:47:04But I do remember when I was working alongside Martin Bell...
0:47:04 > 0:47:08..a wonderful correspondent, and he always emphasised...
0:47:08 > 0:47:12..in the midst of all this, before we all become bitter cynics...
0:47:12 > 0:47:17.."Dewi, don't forget the wonder of it all."
0:47:17 > 0:47:23In the midst of the horror and the boredom, there is wonder.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28I'm really looking forward.
0:47:29 > 0:47:33I always suspected I would return to the radio.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36I will miss Newyddion.
0:47:36 > 0:47:41I will definitely miss the spirit of being the member of a big team.
0:47:43 > 0:47:47And that's what I will remember, the excitement in the team...
0:47:47 > 0:47:52..coming together to put together the best possible programme...
0:47:53 > 0:47:54..the viewers deserve.
0:47:54 > 0:47:58And that's Post Prynhawn. Join us again at 5:00 as usual.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01Until then, thanks for listening and goodbye.
0:48:23 > 0:48:25S4C subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:48:25 > 0:48:26.