SKY’s loss is BBC’s gain

Hearing loss and subtitles on the BBC and Sky news

TV – information and entertainment. Well, that is if you can find something you want to see that hasn’t been repeated so often you’re word perfect.

Tastes differ, fair enough, but for Sue TV comes down to the least off-putting with subtitles. But even when subs are included they can leave a lot to be desired – words stick on screen, synch can be so out that the plot becomes a guessing game and sometimes subs just don’t show up.

We’ve emailed TV channels asking what happened to the advertised subs and received apologies and assurances that the problem will be rectified – which happened, then we sent back our thanks. But when we’ve asked if a programme might be subbed, the normal reply is cost etc. and they already exceed requirements.

Fine, again that’s a matter of taste as to what is subbed but do ask or broadcasters won’t know what the demand is.

BBC provides first class deaf service on its news channel whilst SKY News provides a deaf service akin to putting a hand in front of its mouth. Pointless for deaf viewers who might actually want to know what’s happening in the world. But SKY’s loss is BBC’s gain.

The best innovation for deaf viewers has to be the DVD. Words and pictures and after six months a chance to catch up on favourite shows. Wonder what’s on tonight? Oh well, I prefer reading anyway and Sue will find something or watch a film on DVD.