Access For Deaf And Hearing Impaired

Access For Deaf And Hearing Impaired

26 January 2002

Media Release

Access For Deaf And Hearing Impaired

NZ On Air has recognised the need of deaf and hearing impaired viewers in its latest funding round, by allocating $1.5 million towards television captioning services in 2002.

This year, more than 100 hours of television will be captioned each week - an increase of nearly 15 percent on 2001.

Chief Executive Jo Tyndall said it was the most substantial funding for captioning NZ On Air had ever allocated. She also applauded the excellent relationship between NZ On Air and TVNZ that will allow captioning of more prime-time television across all channels.

"It will mean more choice for deaf and hearing impaired New Zealanders, who have clearly indicated that equal access is a basic right and that, without the captioning, television programmes are meaningless for them," said Ms Tyndall.

"It's also important for people who have English as a second language, many of whom use this service. It helps with their language development and understanding of Kiwi culture.

As part of the extension in services, there will be captioning of some children's programmes through the week.

"Deaf children learn language by watching the captioned words in the same way hearing children listen to the spoken word. This service will entertain children and help to educate at the same time," Ms Tyndall said.

NZ On Air has allocated $1.5 million to TVNZ Captioning to caption 100+ hours per week in 2002. The improved service will increase the coverage of captioning on prime-time television between 6pm to 10pm on TV One, TV2 and TV3, including New Zealand-made programmes; provide more choice in non-peak times and more captioned movies.

ends

This media release is available on the Internet, at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz/

Funding details:

Captioning 2002

$1,500,000 100+ hours per week
Broadcaster: TV One/ TV2/TV3
Producer: Alison Munro, TVNZ Captioning

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