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

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).

New UK rules oblige channels to start providing audio description outside the UK

Ofcom published a list of non-UK television channels that will be required to provide audio description in Member States of the European Union other than the UK.

TV Audio description has reached record levels

Recent Ofcom regulation requires 10 per cent of programmes to be audio described by the tenth anniversary of a channel's digital licence. However most channels are exceeding this obligation by describing much more.

Little audio description in the online world!

Despite high usage figures, only three of the many online services are currently delivering audio description on their programmes, BBC iPlayer, the Channel 4 player - 4oD, and Sky Anytime.

Digital TV usability checklist

The purpose of the checklist is to assist blind or partially sighted people who are looking to buy a digital television identify suitable technology that meets their user requirements.

World Blind Union agrees user requirements for digital radio equipment

Published: 26 November 2012 This month, the World blind Union has released a document that specifies user requirements that would make digital and internet radio equipment more accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

Katy Perry audio described

Published: 5 November 2012 Katy Perry: Part of Me DVD and Blu-ray is released with the audio descriptive track.

New films with audio description on DVD

Published: 18 September 2012 Paramount Pictures has released two new titles on DVD and Blu-ray with audio descripton (AD).

Your Freeview set-top boxes and TVs will need retuning in the coming month.

Published: 3 September 2012 The change is all about shuffling the channels to make room in the listing for more channles of different genres.

Tell us if you would like more audio description

RNIB will be submitting a response to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and is requesting user feedback on the accessibility of audio description and accessible digital radio and television equipment.

Last updated: 10 July 2012

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