Have your say on the captioning rules for subscription television

The Morrison Government is seeking feedback on reform proposals for captioning on subscription television (STV) so that hearing-impaired Australians will continue to have access to high quality media services.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said captions on broadcast television are an important accessibility feature for Australian viewers and this reform will deliver more effective captioning.

“This reform is vital, especially for the estimated one in six Australians who experience some level of hearing loss and require captioning,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Feedback on the proposed captioning scheme for subscription television is encouraged from all interested parties, including the community, to help inform the best design for the service.

“Our focus is on providing clear and consistent rules, while also addressing the pressures being experienced by the STV industry, and this draft captioning scheme is the first step in achieving this.

“If captioning on STV impacts you or your business, then I encourage you to make a submission.”

Current captioning rules for STV are complex, lack flexibility and are not transparent for users.

The STV industry (which includes Foxtel and Fetch) has changed significantly since captioning rules were introduced for STV television in 2012 and the sector is now competing for audiences with subscription video on demand services.

Submissions should be provided by email to [email protected] by 11.45pm Monday 1 November, 2021.

For more information on the reform and to view the issues paper, please visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/stv-captioning