PAT McKENNA,
Sir, - The letter from Joe Fulham (July 29th) does not give a fair and accurate account of subtitling on RTÉ, nor does it reflect the work of the Irish Hard of Hearing Association (IHHA), which over the past two years has been urging RTE to increase the volume of subtitled programmes.
In the first half of 2001, the volume of subtitling on RTE was approximately 15 per cent, low compared with the levels on BBC1, BBC2, ITV and Channel 4. Over the past year there has been considerable progress. The level of subtitling on RTE1 during peak-time, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., currently exceeds 60 per cent, often reaching 80 per cent. The six o'clock and nine o'clock news are now both subtitled, as is Prime Time. Many other programmes, including "soaps" and films, are subtitled on both RTE1 and Network 2.
This is significant progress and meets the preferences of the hard of hearing: research in the UK shows that, being mostly in the older age groups, they favour news, current affairs and drama/serials.
There is evidence that many people, especially the elderly, groups, are not aware of the service, while others do not know how to use it. RTÉ recognises the need to advertise subtitling: last February, when the 6 p.m. news was first subtitled, it ran a promotional campaign on TV, which we would like to see this feature repeated regularly. In addition, the number 888 appears at the top left- hand corner of the screen at the start of a subtitled programme. Aertel, page 366, lists subtitled programmes daily.
This October, our association is launching a brochure, showing people how to access subtitles and where to find information on which programmes carry subtitles.
To ensure that RTÉ is aware of the needs and concerns of the deaf and hard of hearing, there is a need for regular consultation. This has been happening over the past year. A more formal arrangement began on July 29th when representatives of all three groups representing the deaf and hard of hearing - The Irish Hard of Hearing Association, The National Association for Deaf People (NAD) and The Irish Deaf Society (IDS) - had a very constructive meeting with RTÉ.
While the IHHA is pleased with progress, there is still a considerable disparity between overall levels of subtitling on RTE and the main UK channels. There is now an established norm in the UK, 80 per cent by 2004, which is the level we wish to see RTE reach over a longer period on a planned basis. This will require considerable investment in technology, increased staffing, more liaison with interest groups, more monitoring for quality and more research. All this will come at high cost, which must be funded.
The current financial uncertainty hinders planning and we do not believe that progress should rely on the vagaries of advertising revenue.
The licence fee should be adequate to provide for people with a disability, the deaf and hard of hearing. - Yours, etc.,
PAT McKENNA,
PRO, Irish Hard
of Hearing Association,
North Frederick Street,
Dublin 1.