News - radio, television and film

Read about the latest developments and products in television, radio and film for blind and partially sighted people.

If you have any questions or would like further information about any of the news items listed below, email broadcasting@rnib.org.uk

Latest news

Review TV and radio devices for RNIB

Published: 29 April 2013 With so many ways to access your favourite TV programmes and radio shows, often it can be quite a task identifying which method is the easiest for you as a blind or partially sighted user. Try our products review section!

Jack Reacher and Flight now out on DVD with audio description

Published: 29 April 2013 Paramount UK releases two more DVDs with audio description this week.

From the ITV headquarters: ITV and audio description

Published: 23 April 2013 ITV are pleased to be the only broadcaster showing the AD logo top right of the TV screen for a few seconds as an audio described programme begins.

From the Channel 4 headquarters

Published 23 April 2013 Last year, the main Channel 4 provided 26 per cent of programmes with AD and E4 provided a remarkable 47 per cent with AD. This figure was the highest of any of the other public service broadcasters.

Get the picture - making television easier for people with sight loss

RNIB has produced a video which brings to life some of the features that enhance usability of television and related devices for blind and partially sighted people.

Rise of the Guardians on DVD with AD

Published: 9 april 2013 Rise of the Guardians is an epic adventure that tells the story of a group of heroes

We love audio description: UK broadcasters

2012 was a spectacular year for audio description fans in the UK with television channels broadcasting around 6000 programmes with AD each week.

Do you use Freeview?

With 4G being rolled out to replace existing 3G coverage to give smartphone users faster data downloads, concerns are being voiced that some 4G signals - those at 800 MHz - may interfere with the existing Freeview services.

Text To Speech International Standard now available

Following the successful launch of Panasonic televisions with voice guidance and the TVonics talking set top box last year, RNIB has worked with IEC on an International Standard on how to provide text to speech in television equipment which has now been published.

New films with audio description on DVD

Published: 25 February 2013 Paramount Pictures has released two new titles on DVD and Blu-ray with audio descripton (AD).

Last updated: 10 July 2012