Summary
Background
1.1 In March 2006, Ofcom invited comments on its review of the Code on Television Access Services and proposed new Guidelines on access services (subtitling, signing and audio description) for people with hearing and / or visual impairments to replace those inherited from the Independent Television Commission. The consultation closed on 8 June 2006.
Main conclusions
1.2 Non confidential responses were published on our website, and are summarised in section 2. We have taken all the responses into account in formulating our conclusions, which are set out in detail in section 2.
1.3 In brief, as regards the Code on Television Access Services, Ofcom concluded that:
- the present method for selecting which channels should provide television access services remained appropriate, and that the audience share threshold of 0.05% should be retained for determining which channels should provide subtitling and audio description, notwithstanding the fact that this would mean that no channels aimed at ethnic minorities would be required to provide access services3. The current limit on expenditure of 1% of relevant turnover should be retained;
- the Code should be amended to make clear that the revenues of channels that share majority ownership may be considered together if necessary when assessing whether targets are affordable, and if so, what Level of access service provision should apply; and
- it should review the current arrangements for providing signing on television, to see if there are better ways of meeting the needs of people who use signing. Ofcom has held discussions with disability organisations and broadcasters, and expects to consult on any different arrangements that may be proposed towards the end of the year.
1.4 Ofcom also concluded that it would be premature to make any recommendation to the Government for changes to the statutory quota for audio description, until awareness improved and the level of take-up amongst potential beneficiaries became clearer. We expect to look again at the position in time for the targets to continue to rise, if warranted, when the current statutory target is reached in 2009.
1.5 Ofcom also sought views on draft consolidated Guidelines on how subtitling, signing and audio description should be provided. The final version of the Guidelines is set out in Annex 2 of this document, and will form Appendix 2 to the Code on Television Access Services.
1.6 Ofcom concluded that, as regards signing, the image of the signer should the image of the signer should occupy an area no less than one sixth of the picture, and that programmes with signing should also be subtitled.
1.7 As regards subtitling, Ofcom concluded that the present requirement for different colours to denote different speakers should be retained. The guidance will provide for a maximum speed for pre-recorded programmes in the range between 160 – 180 words per minutes, but on grounds of practicability will not specify a limit for live programming. The guidance asks broadcasters to have regard to the needs of the target audiences for children’s programmes when determining the speed and content of subtitling. Subtitles on standard definition digital terrestrial services should be no less than 20 television lines for the capital ‘V’, to include only those lines at the top and bottom of each character containing pixels that are at least 50% illuminated.
Document formats
1.8 A copy of this document in a format suitable for use by screen readers has been posted on Ofcom’s website. Ofcom can also provide documents to individuals in alternative formats (e.g. Braille, audiotape or large print) on request. We may also provide translations of documents into languages other than English. To request nonstandard versions of documents, please contact the Ofcom Contact Centre at contact@ofcom.org.uk, by phone at 0300 123 3333 , or by textphone at 020 7981 3043. Please note that the time needed to produce an alternative format document will depend on the length of the document.