Viewers with devices that have already been upgraded to ITVX can already take a sneak peek at the British Sign Language channel that officially launches on Thursday.
Deaf viewers will have access to what is a worldwide streaming first – ITV Signed – a full-time BSL channel. The channel was officially unveiled by ITV today with details of what viewers will be able to enjoy. ITV Signed will include a range of shows like the Emmerdale and Coronation Street omnibus episodes, Cilla, Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow, Vera, Lewis and The Saint. The channel will be regularly updated and will evolve to include both recent and archive programming from a wide variety of genres.
The new service is one of a total of 20 themed channels available on ITVX. These channels appear in the ‘live’ section of the service, directly below ITV’s six existing channels.
ITVX is already live on a number of devices. Its rollout to replace ITV Hub will complete by Thursday 8th December.
ITV’s Director of Accessibility, David Padmore, said:
“We’re committed to placing great accessibility at the heart of ITVX and our offering at launch represents significant progress on ITV Hub. Our ITV Signed Channel gives us a fantastic platform for showcasing our rich archive of signed programmes.”
Teri Devine, Associate Director for Inclusion at RNID, said:
“Following the recognition of the British Sign Language (BSL) Act earlier this year, it is fantastic to see more and more industries and organisations become accessible to BSL users. We’re thrilled that ITV have considered the accessibility of BSL users for the launch of their new channel feature, making it easier for them to find new signed content. Building in accessibility from the start is important and should be the norm, and we look forward to seeing ITV expanding its access services across the remaining platforms. For support or information, visit RNID.org.uk”
Elsewhere on the service, ITVX will now have subtitles for over 90% of on-demand programmes on every platform and device.