23 August 2011
Ofcom has recently launched a new advisory service to deal with complaints regarding audio description on television. Viewers are first advised to get in touch with the broadcaster with their questions, comments, suggestions or complaints about the service. However, if they are not entirely satisfied with the response from the broadcaster, they can then escalate their complaint to Ofcom.
Viewers can get in touch with the Ofcom audio description advisory team at adcomplaints@ofcom.org.uk or by completing an online web form. Complaints can also be logged by calling the team on 0300 123 3333 or 020 7981 3040.
On the launch of this new service, Leen Petré Principal Manager RNIB says that "It is essential that complaints on audio description by blind and partially sighted users are dealt with effectively and swiftly. We are pleased that Ofcom have now agreed to make it easier for audio description users to complain to them. This allows users to contact Ofcom directly when broadcasters are not fulfilling their obligations. This is a stepping stone in making the complaint system around audio description better. Users rightly expect their complaints to broadcasters and Ofcom about audio description to be resolved swiftly."
Broadcaster contact details
If you would like to provide feedback to a broadcaster about the provision of audio description, please use the relevant e-mail address below.
BBC - subtitling@bbc.co.uk
If you are having problems with the BBC iPlayer, please write to - AccessibilityTeam@bbc.co.uk
ITV - viewerservices@itv.com
Channel 4 - www.channel4.com/contact
Channel 5 - customerservices@channel5.com
Sky - accessiblecustomerservice@bskyb.com
UKTV - feedback.uktvnetwork@bss.org
Nickelodeon - letterbox@nick.co.uk
Disney - tanya.cumberland@disney.com
For more information on audio description or how to receive AD on digital TV email audiodescription@rnib.org.uk or contact RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999.