Waiting game drags on over audio-description service

The Federal Government is yet to outline its plans for a permanent Audio Description service on ABC for blind and low vision Australians.

Yesterday a Senate Hearing Committee asked ABC execs about their report given to government in late 2016 and the costs a permanent service would entail.

ABC’s Director of Corporate Affairs Michael Millett told the committee, “We’ve done two trials, one based on broadcasting, one based online.

“The first report, which was done on broadcasting, has been made publicly available. The second one hasn’t been but it’s been (given to the) government.

“I am advised with both reports the costs have never been released because they are commercial in confidence. ”

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield added, “It is our intention to release the report. Where there is information that is commercial in confidence then that won’t be.”

In early 2015 Vision Australia lodged complaints with the Australian Human Rights Commission against Seven, Nine, TEN, SBS and Foxtel over a lack of audio descriptors.

The UK, US, Ireland, Germany, Spain and New Zealand already provide audio description on free to air or subscription television.

An ABC spokesperson told TV Tonight, “The final report on the government funded audio description iview trial was delivered to the Department of Communications in late 2016. Its publication is a matter for the Department.”

“The ABC has no current plans to introduce audio description services. Any questions on the future of AD is a policy issue and should be directed to government.”