Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) Launches Public Consultation on TV Rules

IFTN.ie reports that the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) today launched a public consultation on proposed changes to rules governing the levels of subtitling, sign language and audio-description that Irish television broadcasters must offer to the public. The new rules will update the current Access Rules in place since 2005 and last reviewed in 2012.

The proposals are aimed at making television more enjoyable and accessible for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, partially sighted or blind. The changes are being proposed following a review by the BAI of the rules introduced in 2012. The consultation will remain open until July 23 and the BAI is seeking responses from the general public, representative groups and broadcasters.

Speaking at the launch of the public consultation, the Chairperson of the BAI, Bob Collins, said: “The Access Rules have been in place since 2005 and there have been significant changes to the amount of home produced and live content available on Irish television over the past nine years. Advances in technology and the switch over to Digital TV in 2012 have also provided new methods by which broadcasters can provide programming to the Irish viewing audience, which includes those with hearing or sight difficulties.

Read more at http://www.iftn.ie/broadcast/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4287210&tpl=archnews&force=1