More funding for TV captions to increase access

More funding for TV captions to increase access

NZ On Air has increased funding to provide more captions and audio description on television programmes for the hearing and sight impaired.

The independent service Able will receive $400,000 more in the coming year, allowing it to continue to increase its offerings on TV One, TV2, TV3 and FOUR. NZ On Air funding for captioning and audio description has grown from $1.5 million ten years ago to $2.8 million in 2015/16.

“Able is a vital and growing service and we are very pleased to offer increased support,” says NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson. “ Hearing and sight-impaired New Zealanders will have access to a wider range of content to enjoy as a result.”

The funding increase has been achieved through internal re-prioritisation.
Confirmed also in the latest funding decisions is support again for televising the Attitude Awards 2015, celebrating achievement of New Zealanders successfully living with disabilities. This year this significant event will also be live-streamed.

Funding details

TV Captioning and Audio Description, Able for TV One, TV2, TV3 and FOUR , $2,800,000 (2015/16)

Attitude Awards 2015, 1 x 60mins, Attitude Pictures for TV One, $162,200
(plus $16,750 through Digital Media Fund to stream event live)

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