MP Welcomes TV Breakthrough for Deaf

5.22.21pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 18th Aug 2004

David Chidgey Welcomes Breakthrough for the Deaf

David Chidgey, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, welcomes the news that Ofcom, the communications regulator, has announced a new ground breaking access code that will dramatically improve the choice of television programmes available for millions of deaf and hard of hearing people.

David Chidgey said:

"The need for improved subtitling for deaf and hard of hearing people cannot be ignored. For many of my constituents, subtitles are of vital importance and enable deaf and hard of hearing people to access information and entertainment along with their hearing friends and family.'

After an extensive consultation period, 70 of the most popular digital cable and satellite television channels, including Disney and Hallmark, will have to subtitle a prescribed percentage of their programmes, producing thousands more hours of accessible television. Deaf and hard of hearing people will now have much greater access to important news, documentaries, sport and entertainment on television.

John Low, Chief executive RNID said:

'This is great news. One million people in the UK are reliant on subtitles to enjoy television, and five million use them frequently, proving that millions of people will benefit from Ofcom's decision to demand increased level of subtitling from digital cable and satellite television channels. RNID is delighted that, after tireless campaigning, Ofcom now recognises the importance that subtitles play in the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people'

David Chidgey has shown his continued support for deaf and hard of hearing people by signing Early Day Motion 690, supporting RNID's campaign to increase the level of subtitling on television.