Subtitles on TV

LadyDee · 9 October 2016 at 4:35PM

What determines when a TV programme has subtitles?

I find that I am increasingly in need of subtitles when people with strong accents are involved.

Before anybody says "get your ears tested", I have, and I have a very tiny hearing loss - not enough to require hearing aids and I can hear perfectly well in other situations - it's just strong accents on the TV that cause me difficulty.

teddysmum · 9 October 2016 at 6:40PM

I've no idea how the choice is made, but as having subtitles or sign language for those who are hard of hearing costs, they will limit the number of programmes covered.

You loss of hearing is probably not the cause of being unable to tell what is being said, as there have been numerous complaints, especially over premium drama series, where people can't hear what's said as the actors mumble. (Apparently they want to sound realistic, but there's no point in that if people can't tell what's going on; rather like the action programmes filmed in dim candlelight or in near darkness)

LadyDee · 9 October 2016 at 6:54PM

teddysmum wrote: »

I've no idea how the choice is made, but as having subtitles or sign language for those who are hard of hearing costs, they will limit the number of programmes covered.

You loss of hearing is probably not the cause of being unable to tell what is being said, as there have been numerous complaints, especially over premium drama series, where people can't hear what's said as the actors mumble. (Apparently they want to sound realistic, but there's no point in that if people can't tell what's going on; rather like the action programmes filmed in dim candlelight or in near darkness)

Even the newscasters often don't speak clearly.

There's more than one series I've given up on due to the way actors mumble - and don't get me started on dpcumentaries, where the commentary is competing with natural sounds and music or man-made sound effects - all at the same time! I'll be first in the queue for the TV which enables me to cut out that damned music which has ruined many an otherwise promising documentary.

Owain_Moneysaver · 9 October 2016 at 8:54PM

LadyDee wrote: »

What determines when a TV programme has subtitles?

Ofcom's Code on Television Access Services sets targets for the amount of TV subtitling, signing and audio-description that eligible broadcasters are required to provide.

the BBC channels (excluding BBC Parliament) are required to subtitle 100% of their programme content, audio describe 10% of their programme content (except in the case of BBC News), and sign 5% of their content. The corresponding targets for ITV1 (including both the regional and national licensees) and Channel 4 are 90%, 5% and 10%, and for Five and S4C1 80%, 5% and 10%.

Robisere · 9 October 2016 at 9:51PM

I have a particular type of hearing loss which does not discriminate between sounds, eg when I am in the car I cannot hear conversation from the back seat (sometimes the front as well) over the sound of wind and road noise from the car. I cannot distinguish the sound of the TV and someone talking to me, I have to mute the TV if that happens. I have tried many kinds of hearing aid and each one gives the same result: every sound is amplified, so I still cannot distinguish the difference.

Subtitles are a godsend for me, but TV sound in drama and documentaries is often completely spoiled for me by the irritating loud, often piercing noise that is supposed to be "music". Quite often, subtitles cannot keep pace with the speech and some hilarious results are typed on the screen. When watching sport, especially football or rugby, I turn down or mute the commentary, because I sometimes wonder if the commentators are watching the same match! They often talk complete drivel about inconsequential 'facts' as well.

Subtitles on TV

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