five to start Audio Description on Sky

five are the first UK public service broadcaster to use Sky's audio description facility within the Sky digibox.

Developed and pioneered by BSkyB, the audio description functionality already provides digital satellite viewers in more than seven million homes with more than 3,000 hours of audio described programmes each year on BSkyB's own channels, which include Sky One, Sky Sports and Sky Movies. Five is the first third-party broadcaster to take advantage of the technology, which enhances accessibility of television programmes by allowing blind and visually impaired viewers to hear a description of what the characters on screen are doing.

Five currently broadcasts around 10 hours of audio described programmes each week, representing 6% of its programming across the year. Five's audio described programmes during 2003 have included the drama series Magnum, Starsky & Hutch and Charlie's Angels, in addition to at least one peak-time film each week. Until now, Five's audio description services have been available only to a very limited number of digital terrestrial homes with the necessary specialist equipment.

Jane Lighting, Five's Chief Executive said: ???Five is a member of the Broadcasting and Creative Industries Disability Network (BCIDN) and is highly committed to increasing access to its programmes and services on and off air. I am very pleased that we are able to enhance our service for blind and partially sighted people in this way.???

Ray Gallagher, BSkyB's Director of Public Affairs and industry Chair of the BCIDN said: “BSkyB is delighted that Five is to take advantage of Sky digital's audio description capability. The launch represents an important step forward in increasing the range of accessible programmes and services that blind and visually impaired people can enjoy through digital satellite television. We congratulate Five on its commitment to offering accessible services to satellite viewers and we look forward to similar initiatives by other broadcasters.???


To obtain Audio Description at no extra charge digital satellite viewers need to:

Select 'Services' on the Sky remote
Select no 4 - System Setup
Select no 3 - Languages & Subtitles
Set Favourite Language/Audio to 'Narrative'
Arrow key down and 'Save New Settings'
Press the 'Sky' button to return to the programme