Audio description (AD) is an additional commentary that helps people with a sight problem to picture the on-screen action, body language and facial expressions. It is now available on television, video and DVD, as well as in cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries and sports venues.
The AD target for ITV1 and ITV2 is 10% of output in 2008 – that’s about 14 hours a week – and the ITV digital channels will deliver between 2% and 8% of their programmes with AD.
Because AD lends itself best to drama productions, ITV1 audio describes a large number of our most popular drama programmes, including The Bill, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Heartbeat and many films. For further information about Audio Description go to www.audiodescription.org.uk.