Channel 4 has introduced a new signed category to the All 4 homepage and new signed idents as part of its celebration of Sign Language Week.
This year’s Sign Language Week (13-19th March) also marks 20 years since British Sign Language (BSL) was formally recognised by the British Government.
A number of Channel 4’s best-loved shows will air with BSL interpretation throughout the week. Highlights include the finale of the Great Pottery Throw Down, The Last Leg, and repeats of high-profile documentaries such as Dispatches’ Undercover Ambulance: NHS in Chaos, and Kathy Burke’s Growing Up. Signed episodes of Channel 4’s brilliant comedy content will also air across Channel 4 and E4, such as The Inbetweeners, Derry Girls, GameFace and Friday Night Dinner.
On All 4, a Signed category has been added to the homepage to allow Deaf viewers to easily explore signed content. New content includes 50 hours of signed dramas, documentaries, and comedies, in addition to regular shows such as Hollyoaks.
Meanwhile, Channel 4 is also introducing signed idents. They’ll appear on Channel 4, E4 and All 4, promoting the channels’ comedy nights and on-screen BSL provision in an accessible and inclusive way.
Giles Barker, Disability Lead at Channel 4 said:
“It’s essential that Channel 4 and its content is accessible to everyone, and that we constantly strive to support the Deaf community both on and off-screen. We’re incredibly proud to show a diverse range of shows with BSL interpretation as we add much more to our line-up throughout BSL Week.
Channel 4 also confirmed that over 10% of its output in 2022 had been available with BSL interpretation, more than double Ofcom’s requirement.
This follows a disastrous 2021 for the broadcaster, when an incident at its playout centre resulted in shows being broadcast without subtitles or signing for months.
Marc Thornham