When it officially launches later this week, ITV’s new streaming service ITVX will include a dedicated British Sign Language channel which will only include signed programming.
The channel will include a range of shows, such as Emmerdale and Coronation Street omnibus episodes, Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow, Vera, Lewis, and The Saint.
ITV said accessibility is at the core of its new streaming offering, and it has “worked to ensure the brand, design and user interfaces are accessible and that they support assistive technology such as screen readers:.
ITVX will also have subtitles for over 90 per cent of on-demand programmes on every platform and device, added the broadcaster.
For live TV watched through ITVX, subtitles will be available to around 80% of viewers, watching through our mobile apps, web browsers and most connected TV devices, with work in progress to enable live subtitling via the remaining platforms, Freeview, YouView, Freesat and Chromecast.
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.”
