Michael Connarty MP supports RNID and NDCS in call for 100% subtitling on all television channels

Michael Connarty MP for the Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency is backing a campaign run by RNID, the charity representing the UKâ€™s 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people, and the National Deaf Childrenâ€™s Society (NDCS), the national charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people, urging broadcasters to subtitle 100% of their programmes on all television channels.

Michael has signed an Early Day Motion calling on broadcasters to follow the lead of the BBC, which has recently reached 100% subtitling of programmes across seven of its main television channels*.

RNID and the NDCS call for an increase in subtitling, an essential service for millions of deaf and hard of hearing adults and children who rely on it to access and enjoy television.

Michael, said: "As we are switching over to digital TV we must provide access to all through visual and auditory additions to ALL programmes. There is no excuse for leaving people with sensory loss, whether sight or hearing, out of full access to television windows on the world as in the past"

Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive of RNID, said: “It is great that Michael Connarty MP supports our call for more subtitled programming, and we congratulate the BBC for rising to the challenge and reaching 100% subtitling on its main channels.

“We urge all other broadcasters to rethink their subtitling output, to ensure the five million people that frequently use subtitles are no longer excluded from programmes they enjoy. TV is a window to the world and an increase in subtitling on all channels will allow deaf and hard of hearing people wider access to important news, documentaries, sport and entertainment.”

Susan Daniels, Chief Executive of NDCS, said: “The NDCS has been working with the BBC for a number of years to ensure children’s programmes are fully accessible to deaf children and young people. Real progress is being made but there is of course always more work to do. I am delighted that Michael Connarty MP is joining us in urging other broadcasters to increase their subtitled output and work to make their programmes more accessible to all deaf children and adults.

“If a deaf child cannot understand what is happening on television they can feel frustrated and isolated. Unable to enjoy a medium that their hearing friends take for granted, they also miss out on the vital social and educational aspect that television provides.”

The Early Day Motion also notes the need for more signed programmes and a wider portrayal of deaf and hard of hearing adults and children on television.

For further information or to get involved with this campaign and encourage your local MP to sign the Early Day Motion, visit www.rnid.org.uk/television, call RNID’s information line on 0808 808 0123 (telephone) 0808 808 9000 (textphone) or email informationline@rnid.org.uk.