Several political parties want the government to make more money available to make NPO programs accessible to the blind and visually impaired. Over the next three years, more than 4 million euros should be allocated to audio description. The films and series are then accompanied by spoken descriptions, so that people with visual impairments can experience what is happening on screen.
The CDA, ChristenUnie, GroenLinks and the VVD will present this proposal on Monday during the media budget discussion.
“Audio description should be as common as subtitles,” says Member of Parliament Lucille Werner (CDA). “People with visual impairment need it to be able to watch TV programmes. However, the current supply of audio description is limited, while the number of people using it is increasing. That’s why we need to allocate more funds for it.”
During the debate it emerged that the plan, already supported by ChristenUnie and GroenLinks, is also signed by the VVD. This brings support for Werner’s proposal close to the majority.
Werner also pointed out during the debate that only a small fraction of regional news is subtitled. According to her, this is due to the fact that no agreements have been made about it. That’s why you ask Secretary of State Gunay Uslu (Media) to make these arrangements after all.
