HC Deb 19 December 2003 vol 416 c128W
Miss Kirkbride

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what targets she has set for the roll-out of audio description; [145578]

(2) if she will make a statement on the issues that prevent a faster roll-out of audio description. [145579]

Estelle Morris

The Communications Act 2003 sets audio description targets for broadcasters. 10 per cent. of non-excluded programmes are to be audio described for the blind and partially sighted by the tenth anniversary of the start of the service. The Act extends this requirement to digital cable and satellite broadcasters for the first time.

At present, the widespread availability of audio description modules needed to receive the service has been delayed owing to technical, manufacturing and distribution difficulties. However, we understand from discussions with manufacturers that receivers compatible with audio description on the digital terrestrial platform have recently come onto the market. We hope this will increase the take-up of the audio description service.

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