The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has today (4th August) published its updated BAI Access Rules, designed to promote the understanding and enjoyment of programmes by persons who are deaf or have a hearing impairment, persons who are blind or partially sighted and persons who have a hearing impairment and are partially sighted.
The Access Rules apply to broadcasters within the jurisdiction of Ireland and specify individual subtitling, Irish Sign Language and Audio Description targets for each service, as appropriate. The updated Access Rules include the provision of targets for an increased number of broadcasting services, specifically UTV Ireland, Irish TV and Oireachtas TV.
Commenting on the publication of the updated Rules, BAI Chief Executive Michael O’Keeffe said: “The revised Rules set out key targets for a greater number of broadcasters which will result in the increased availability of assistive services for viewers. As we lead up to the statutory review of the Rules in early 2017, we look forward to continued engagement with broadcasters and service users to support the achievement of targets.”
Further information on the Access Rules can be found here.