The commission, chaired by Llywydd Huw Irranca-Davies, defended its policies after members challenged it on broadcasting rules.
The members appointed to the commission act as the “governing board” for the Welsh Parliament, and are responsible for overseeing the delivery of its aims.
As such the Senedd commission takes questions on its work once every four week in the Siambr.
Catherine Cullen, Reform MS for Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, questioned the commission on access to GB News across the Senedd estate.
Mr Irranca-Davies responded by clarifying that a “wide range” of television channels and radio stations, including GB News, can be accessed using the Senedd IT network on laptops and other Senedd commission-issued devices.
He noted that the main function of the internal TV system on the Senedd estate is to “broadcast feeds of the Siambr and committee rooms, so that staff can follow business proceedings.”
Adding: “Under our existing policy, only those channels which have public service obligations, as set out in the Communications Act 2003, can be accessed, with the one addition of Sky News to ensure plurality of news programmes.”
Declaring an interest as a member of the Free Speech Union, Ms Cullen told the Siambr that the decision to “evict” GB News sets a “dangerous precedent”.
She said: “It’s simply not good enough to say that we can access it using our own personal devices.
“The commission, in my opinion, should allow free and equal access to all major broadcasters across the Senedd estate.
“Freedom of the press and speech is not about agreeing with every opinion that is aired, but is about defending the principle that people should be free to access competing perspectives.”
She called on the commission to consider “a fair and reflective approach to all news channels, for the sake of fairness, free speech and the free expression of the media.”
In response, Mr Irranca-Davies reiterated that competing perspectives can be accessed, by all members, on the devices provided to them.
He said: “The purpose of monitors around the building are not to watch either news or daytime TV or whatever. They’re to follow the business of the chamber and committees.”
