North Devon MP, Nick Harvey is backing a campaign run by RNID, the charity representing the UK’s 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people, and the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), the national charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people, urging broadcasters to subtitle 100% of their programmes on all television channels.

Nick MP, has signed an Early Day Motion calling on broadcasters to follow the lead of the BBC, which has recently reached 100% subtitling of programmes across seven of its main television channels*.

RNID and the NDCS call for an increase in subtitling, an essential service for millions of deaf and hard of hearing adults and children who rely on it to access and enjoy television.

Nick Harvey, said: “What RNID is calling for will make life so much easier and pleasant for a very large number of people, it is really time that broadcasters faced up to their responsibilities in ensuring a comprehensive customer service for all members of society.”

Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive of RNID, said: “It is great that Nick Harvey supports our call for more subtitled programming, and we congratulate the BBC for rising to the challenge and reaching 100% subtitling on its main channels.

“We urge all other broadcasters to rethink their subtitling output, to ensure the five million people that frequently use subtitles are no longer excluded from programmes they enjoy. TV is a window to the world and an increase in subtitling on all channels will allow deaf and hard of hearing people wider access to important news, documentaries, sport and entertainment.”

Susan Daniels, Chief Executive of NDCS, said: “The NDCS has been working with the BBC for a number of years to ensure children’s programmes are fully accessible to deaf children and young people. Real progress is being made but there is of course always more work to do. I am delighted that (INSERT NAME) MP is joining us in urging other broadcasters to increase their subtitled output and work to make their programmes more accessible to all deaf children and adults.

“If a deaf child cannot understand what is happening on television they can feel frustrated and isolated. Unable to enjoy a medium that their hearing friends take for granted, they also miss out on the vital social and educational aspect that television provides.”