Written question asked by Gideon Amos (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Broadcasting: Disability Aids

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of live broadcasting subtitles; and what steps she is taking to ensure the accuracy of those subtitles.

Answer: Ofcom regulates accessibility provision for licensed broadcasters through their Code on Television Access Services, requiring channels to meet specific quotas for subtitling, audio description, and signing. Ofcom will consider the quality of subtitles, whether live or pre recorded, on a case-by-case basis and take account of various factors to assess this, including: accuracy, synchronicity, readability, presentation style, and description of non-speech information. Audiences can complain to Ofcom if they are concerned with the adequacy of access provision on specific programming, who can then take relevant action with the provider.

Secondary information