Local MP supports blind TV fans

9.43.05am GMT Thu 25th Feb 2010

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) leads the way to raise awareness of the barriers to communication that blind and partially sighted TV fans come up against.

At a parliamentary reception local MP John Leech joined partially sighted 'Aunt Megan' to watch Doctor Who*, calling for an increase in the amount of programming with Audio Description (AD) from 10 to 20 per cent of all programming.

Audio Description provides additional commentary that describes body language, expressions and movements which people with sight loss cannot see.

Currently the Communications Act (2003) only requires 10 per cent of television programmes to be audio described which limits accessibility, understanding and enjoyment of television for blind and partially sighted people.

John Leech commented:

"Watching Dr Who with Aunt Megan, I realised how difficult it is for her to follow it without audio description. Blind and partially sighted people are at risk of being left behind; unable to join in the conversations we have every day about TV shows.

As the digital switchover gathers pace, there is an ideal opportunity to make sure blind and partially sighted TV fans aren't left in the past so that they can share in the future of this significant part of our national culture - television."

Steve Winyard, Head of Campaigns at RNIB added:

"A decision which does not increase audio description will leave blind and partially sighted people locked out of the future of TV. We urge Ofcom to listen to the many blind and partially sighted people who responded to their consultation and recommend an increase to 20 per cent audio description on all TV channels."

Additional audio description in programming could reduce the isolation that blind and partially sighted people face everyday.

AD is available on digital TV, on DVD movies, in cinemas, galleries and museums as well as major sporting venues and exhibition centres.

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Notes to Editor

Dr Who is routinely audio-described on the BBC and BBC iPlayer. At the event a clip was shown, courtesy of the BBC, both with and without audio description to illustrate the difference is makes to the enjoyment and understanding of the programme.

Aunt Megan is played by an actress who is partially sighted and a regular user of AD. The experience she describes to MPs is based on her own and the reports of other blind and partially sighted people.

The photograph shows John Leech MP and RNIB Head of Campaigns Steve Winyard, with a reproduction of the first mass-produced TV, built in 1929 and invented by Logie Baird.

Currently, audio description targets are fixed at 10 per cent. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has the power under the Communications Act 2003 to increase these targets.

Ofcom is the communications regulator (including TV, radio and telecoms). It operates under the Communications Act 2003 to further the interests of citizens and of consumers.

Ofcom consulted on the future of audio description and the recommendations are expected to be published imminently.

Not all programmes would benefit from audio description. News and music channels are exempt as are channels with less than a 0.05 per cent audience share. Whether AD is of benefit to people with sight loss depends on the format of the programme i.e. how much activity occurs without any supporting speech or sound.

For more information please contact the Royal National Institute of Blind People:

John Dickinson-Lily

0207 388 1266 ext 3267

John.dickinson-lily@rnib.org.uk

Julianne Marriott

020 7388 1266 ext 2184

julianne.marriott@rnib.org.uk