143/07
Wednesday 12 September 2007
Ensuring access to electronic media for the hearing impaired
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan today announced an investigation into access to electronic media for the hearing impaired.
“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that every Australian, irrespective of their hearing capabilities, has access to adequate electronic information channels,” Senator Coonan said.
“Electronic media, such as television, film and the internet are invaluable sources of both information and entertainment for all Australians.
“The clear purpose of this investigation will be to stocktake developments in captioning and other essential access technologies that assist hearing impaired Australians, and consider options for their extension beyond the current requirements.
“I would like to acknowledge the achievements already made by national and commercial broadcasters in this area. Currently all free to air broadcasters are on track to meet an agreed 70 per cent captioning target with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) for all programming between 6am-midnight. That target will be met by the end of 2007 and I commend the free to air broadcasters for their concerted efforts to meet the HREOC timeframe.
“I would also like to acknowledge the advocacy of Senator Stott Despoja in relation to this matter. We had some constructive discussions, and are in agreement that the time is ripe for a Government investigation to be undertaken.
“We both have a personal link to deafness and share a genuine commitment to improve services for those in our community that are hearing impaired and the first step must be a comprehensive assessment of where we stand against international benchmarks and where we need to lift our efforts.
“Since the introduction of digital television services there has been significant growth in the level of captioning provided for hearing impaired viewers.
“However, given the rapid technology advances in the media, and particularly the growth of subscription television, it is time for us to reassess this area and ensure that these targets and achievements can be built upon.
“We are keen to work with the media industry, hearing impaired Australians and those who represent them to ensure that collaborative and constructive advances can be made,” Senator Coonan said.
“I am very keen to ensure that all Australians have the widest available access to captioned media and entertainment material, such as films and that we keep pace with similar markets around the world.
The investigation into access to electronic media and films by the hearing impaired is to be completed by 30 April 2008, with the full report of that investigation to be tabled by the Minister in Parliament.
It will be coordinated by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts in consultation with other relevant Australian Government agencies. It will include consultations and examination of the work undertaken in this area by the free to air, subscription and national broadcasters, internet broadcasters, film producers and cinema operators.
A discussion paper for public comment will be released over coming weeks.
Media Contact: Katherine Meier 0417 441 141