Ofcom published a draft Code on Television Access Services on 22 December 2003, setting out its proposals for giving effect to the requirements under the Communications Act 2003 on television broadcasters to provide subtitling, signing and audio description.
A significant number of bodies and individuals responded to the consultation, and we considered all the comments carefully before finalising the Code at Annex 1. We also took account of advice from the Advisory Committee on Older and Disabled People (Annex 3). Those comments which were not confidential have been posted on our website. Ofcom's response to those comments is summarised in Annex 2. We have also supplemented the regulatory impact assessment in the light of additional and updated information, and this is set out in Annex 4.
The annual targets applying to public service broadcasters are continued under the new Code. The Code also sets interim targets for the other broadcasters listed in Annex 5. Compliance with these targets is a licence obligation. However, we recognise that broadcasters will need time to make the necessary preparations, so these interim targets do not apply until 29 December 2004, the first anniversary of the entry into force of the legislation.
As the Code makes clear, we expect broadcasters to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the subtitling, signing and audio description accompanying the programmes included in their services is made available to the greatest number of viewers in their homes (whether they receive their services by terrestrial signal, or by satellite or cable). We welcome the fact that several broadcasters have already taken appropriate steps in relation to those of their services broadcast by satellite, or have announced their intention to do so - in particular Sky and Five, as well as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. Ofcom looks forward to working with them, with other broadcasters and with the cable system providers to secure similar provision in relation to their services on all platforms. We recognise that provision of audio description on cable systems will require significant preparation, and may not be achieved much before the end of 2005.
A copy of this document in a format suitable for use by screen readers has been posted on Ofcomís 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 or by phone at 0845 456 or 020 7981 3554. Please note that the time needed to produce an alternative format document will depend on the length of the document.