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In Touch: Channel 4's Audio Description Problems; Combining Sustainability and Inclusion

26/10/2021

Channel 4's Audio Description Problems; Combining Sustainability and Inclusion

BBC Radio 4 - In Touch, Channel 4's Audio Description Problems; Combining Sustainability and Inclusion

Channel 4's accessibility services including audio description are down. We find out why.

We speak to Channel 4 about their recent problems in providing audio description and signing on their programmes. 
We find out what happened and when services will return.

In the first interview since the problem occurred, Channel 4's chief marketing officer and executive lead for inclusion and diversity, Zaid Al-Qassab explains what has happened to their audio description and signing services.   Neither has been working since the end of September. We ask why there were no back up services, what measures will be put in place to avoid it happening again, and most importantly when these services will be back up and running.

We all know that global action is needed to prevent worsening climate change and its severe consequences.  The UN Climate Change Conference, or COP26, is just around the corner and it is seen as the last chance for us to make a positive impact on our future. We discuss the relationship between sustainability and inclusion and highlight some of the problems visually impaired people are facing with so-called sustainable infrastructure. We assess the consequences of leaving people with disabilities out of future sustainability plans.  We hear from Ann Frye, an international specialist on the transport needs of disabled and older people and Iain McKinnon, of the Global Disability Innovation Hub, who is also part of a panel at COP26 discussing these themes.

Presenter: Peter White
Producer: Beth Hemmings

Website image description:  In the forefront are large solar panels. These are surrounded by green trees and foliage. The back of the image shows tall high-rise buildings, a city landscape. The image represents the moulding of sustainable infrastructure and city life.

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