ITV’s new app, ITVX gives deaf viewers access to what is a streaming first – a British Sign Language channel.
It will solely feature signed programming, which will include a range of shows like the Emmerdale and Coronation Street omnibus episodes, Cilla, Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow, Vera, Lewis, and The Saint.
In addition, the channel will be regularly updated and evolve to include both recent and archive programming from a wide variety of genres.
Subtitles will be offered to viewers as an option for more than 90% of on-demand programmes on every platform and device – from the mobile apps, through the main web browsers to all connected TVs and plug-in devices.
For live TV watched through ITVX, subtitles will be available to around 80% of viewers, watching through mobile apps, web browsers and most connected TV devices, with work in progress to enable live subtitling via the remaining platforms, Freeview, YouView, Freesat and Chromecast.
Meanwhile, audio description is available for around 20% of programmes on the platform at launch, including all new ITV drama, with platforms prioritised in consultation with the RNIB.
