§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the subtitled output as a percentage of total only, for(a) digital satellite and (b) digital cable channels (i) currently and (ii) for each of the last three years. [133291]
§ Janet AndersonThere are no statutory requirements on digital satellite or digital cable broadcasters to provide subtitling on their services and to report on the levels of subtitling they make available. We are, however, continuing to encourage cable and satellite broadcasters to increase the provision of subtitling, sign language and audio description on their services. We are about to publish a consultation paper as part of a review of the statutory targets for subtitling, sign language and audio description provision on digital terrestrial television. This paper includes an invitation to comment on wider issues of concern about the provision and reception of these services, including provision on cable and satellite. The results of the consultation will be published and will also form part of our consideration of the future regulation of broadcasting in the forthcoming White Paper on communications.