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Concerns have been expressed after BBC Wales confirmed it was dumping its flagship political programme The Wales Report – one of whose presenters is Huw Edwards.

BBC Wales is planning to replace it with a lighter “magazine” type show.

A Plaid AM described the decision as "deeply disappointing", arguing that there was a "dearth of current affairs programming in Wales".

The invitation to pitch for the programme that will replace The Wales Report states: “We want running orders flexible enough to cover several great stories in a magazine style most weeks but can switch to focus on just one story when its significance justifies it.”

A spokeswoman for BBC Wales said the replacement would still cover current affairs.

The BBC Wales spokeswoman said: “As we do every few years, we have invited proposals from a variety of production companies for a powerful current affairs programme which goes to the heart of the big issues and stories affecting communities across Wales.

“In addition, we have also invited proposals for a series of special national debate programmes.

"Broadcasting live across the year on BBC One Wales, at key moments in Welsh life and politics, this will be an arena for the arguments and viewpoints shaping modern Wales.

“The Wales Report has provided authoritative coverage of Wales’ political scene for over five years.

"The regular competitive process we undertake - across a range of programme types - is no reflection on the programme’s quality.

"We’ll announce the outcome of the commissioning process over the next few weeks in readiness for the autumn.”

It is understood Wales & Co, the independent production company that produces The Wales Report chose not to bid for the new programme.

Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins, who chairs the Assembly’s Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee, said: “This is a deeply disappointing action.

"While I can absolutely support more English language, Welsh based entertainment on TV, it shouldn’t be at the expense of proper current affairs and news programming.

"We already have a dearth of current affairs programming in Wales compared to other nations and the decision by the BBC will make the situation even worse.”