It says while pre-prepared subtitling is generally of a good quality, viewers have expressed dissatisfaction with the speed, synchronisation, accuracy and presentation of live TV subtitling.
To help address concerns, Ofcom has proposed changes to broadcasters’ obligations including requiring them to report back to it on the quality of their subtitles.
Every six months Ofcom would use this information to publish reports on the number of subtitle shows, the quality of the subtitled and reports on technical failures that may have occurred.
It is also asking broadcasters to and other interested parties for their views on the feasibility of delaying live programmes by a few seconds in order to improve the quality of live subtitling.
Claudio Pollack, Ofcom Consumer Group Director, said: “Ofcom wants to see an improvement in the quality of subtitling on live programmes for people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.
“Our proposals will help identify the areas where broadcasters can make progress, leading to a better viewing experience over time.”
