ITV failing the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on subtitles. - Foster

ITV's Executive Chairman, Michael Grade, has been asked to explain why the broadcaster is failing to meet the minimum standards for subtitling on many of its channels.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster MP has written to Michael Grade calling on him to ensure that all of ITV's digital channels meet their targets for providing subtitles.

The call comes after Ofcom released its first quarter figures for the provision of access services in 2007. They show:

· ITV 1, 2 and 4 failed to reach the targets for subtitling required by Ofcom

· ITV3 met its target, but still only provides subtitling on 12% of its programmes

· Commercial rivals Channel 4, Sky and Channel 5 all exceeded the targets set for them

Commenting, Don Foster said:

"This is not a question of choice for the deaf and hard of hearing, subtitles are a fundamental service. If this service is not provided then they lose out.

"Instead of just meeting the minimum requirements that Ofcom set, ITV should be leading by example.

"As one of the biggest broadcasters in the country there's no reason why ITV can't match or better what's on offer from its competitors. I am delighted to be supporting the RNID in their campaign to ensure a greater provision of services to deaf and hard of hearing people."