Ofcom seeks to improve disabled TV access

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Ofcom seeks to improve disabled TV access



Dozens of TV channels could be forced to provide facilities for the blind and hard of hearing for the first time under new powers being considered by Ofcom.

The new super regulator wants to see a "substantial increase" in the amount of subtitling, signing and audio description made available for disabled TV viewers.

Many programmes broadcast by the five terrestrial broadcasters already have subtitles and some have sign language or audio description - an extra soundtrack on which a narrator describes events.

However, the rules being drawn up by Ofcom in a new draft code would apply to around 50 TV channels. Broadcasters would be required to meet interim targets, rising progressively to meet statutory targets in 10 years' time.

"Ofcom wants to ensure that a much wider range of television services is available to people with visual and hearing difficulties," said Tim Suter, Ofcom's partner for content and standards. "Many broadcasters have already made significant steps towards meeting their needs and the draft code seeks to build on this progress.

"We want to make sure that the code strikes the right balance between delivering real benefits and imposing obligations on broadcasters that are realistic and achievable."

The draft code would apply to all channels achieving a certain audience share. However, exemptions would be made for channels in the event of serious budgetary or technical implications. Consultation on the draft code will continue until 12 March next year.

A spokesman said the regulator was "seeking views on issues such as the level of audience share which should trigger the provision of access services, the way in which affordability is assessed, and how best to ensure that services reach their intended audience."

A spokesman for Help the Aged welcomed the proposed changes.

"People aged over 55 are the highest consumers of television, accounting for 40% of peak time audiences," he said.

"At the same time, older people are most likely to suffer visual and hearing impairments. This announcement will go some way to increasing the range of television programmes available to this group."