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

TV Audio description has reached record levels

Published: 27 September 2011. Current Ofcom regulation requires 10% 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.

Talking set top box now available in Australia

Published: 20 September 2011 Priced at $199, the box features talking installation screens, menus, help screens, electronic program guide and a 'key learning mode' which tells the user what each key on the remote control does.

New Paramount DVD with audio description

Published: 20 September 2011 'Tomorrow when the war began' has received great ratings and it is now available with audio description on the DVD.

Audio description on catch up television

A significant shift towards online viewing is transforming the way in which we watch television - more and more people are using catch-up TV players on the web and connected devices to watch their favourite programmes. Despite this emerging trend, hardly any of them offer any audio description at all.

More audio description across the world!

Published: 6 September 2011 Major television networks (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC) in the US to start delivering AD on at least 50 hours of prime time programming per quarter.

Radioplayer

Published: 23 August 2011 Radioplayer is an online radio player that brings together all BBC radio content with the majority of the UK's commercial stations.

Audio description feedback

Published: 23 August 2011 Ofcom launches a new complaints and feedback service for audio description users

Audio description awards

Published: 8 August 2011 American Council of the Blind (ACB) announced the winners of the 2011 Audio Description Awards.

Listener hours on 'digital-only' radio stations hit 1 million per week says Ofcom report

Published: 8 August 2011 Ofcom's annual Communications Market: Digital Radio Report is part of Government's Digital Radio Action Plan. This 26-page document covers developments in the UK digital radio market.

Paramount Pictures releases DVDs with Audio Description

Published: 2 August 2011 Paramount Pictures released three new titles on DVD with audio descripton (AD) this week.

Last updated: 10 July 2012