Who Said That?
More subtitles on TV please
Sunday 29 July, to be exact (without sounding too much like Captain Kirk), I noticed a statement in The Telegraph magazine’s TV guide that “subtitles are not indicated in these listings, as almost all programmes on the major channels now have subtitles available”. I don’t know how long that has been printed as I don’t bother checking what’s coming on TV, but it was great to read that news .
That evening Sue turned to a programme on Channel 4 which, in keeping with that gladsome news, was indeed subbed. The programme was made up of talking heads giving short commentaries with lots of cut-away shots while the subs lagged minutes behind the pictures. As many deaf viewers must, Sue finds that sort of time delay makes a programme impossible to follow or understand and gave up after ten minutes.
I do not criticise the subtitlers in any way at all and I have no idea if subtitles can be prepared in advance to play over a programme – but I sincerely doubt that a subtitler sits frantically typing what’s said throughout a long film. Or that someone is at a key board at four in the morning putting fresh words to the repeats. So, I’m guessing programmes are often set up in advance with appropriate timing of subs to what’s on the screen. Is it too much to ask for all programmes?
After all, Channel 4 is a major channel and if they are so considerate as to make all (by definition of that statement in the magazine, which I have reservations about) programmes available with subs then why not get it right so viewers aren’t turning over in frustration because they can’t match text to images?
Possibly this particular problem is down to no one having brought it to their attention. So I’d just like to ask everyone involved with putting words on the screen – please make the improvement so the programme can be followed by those the service is intended for. And if any of you feel like making the point, very politely, write or email the broadcasters.
The inclusion of subtitles is greatly appreciated and no offence is intended, but as a young Mr Twist put it – more please?