To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the merits of audio description on television programmes for people with a visual impairment; and if he will make a statement. (183332)

[holding answer 31 January 2008]: The Communications Act sets minimum targets for audio description of programmes by broadcasters. However, it is the responsibility of Ofcom to ensure that these requirements are met

Ofcom have responsibility for assessing audio description usage on television programmes. Guidance and best practice for broadcasters on providing access services, which include audio description, is set out in Ofcom’s Code on Television Access Services.

Ofcom’s Television Access Services Review, published in 2006, stated that audio description was highly valued by those that had used it and had the potential to benefit many more people than those who currently used it. An Audio Description Awareness Campaign facilitated by Ofcom will be launched by television broadcasters and the RNIB on 1 February 2008 to encourage take up of this valuable service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will (a) take steps to ensure broadcasters are aware of the benefits of audio description to viewers with a visual impairment and (b) encourage broadcasters to provide more audio-described programmes. (183333)

[holding answer 31 January 2008]: The Communications Act sets minimum targets for audio description of programmes by broadcasters. However, it is the responsibility of Ofcom to ensure that these requirements are met.

It is also Ofcom’s duty to ensure broadcasters are taking effective steps to publicise awareness of their audio description services. In this regard, we welcome the Audio Description Awareness Campaign facilitated by Ofcom that will be launched by television broadcasters and the RNIB on 1 February 2008. During the six-week campaign, more than 70 television channels will broadcast promotions explaining how to find out more about this valuable service.

Ofcom’s most recent report on the provision of access services shows that most channels continue to exceed (in many cases substantially) their obligations to provide audio description.