What is audio description?
Audio description (AD) is the auditory narration of the non-verbal elements of a program. During gaps in dialogue, it describes visual elements such as scenes, settings, actions and costumes. It is particularly beneficial to people who are blind or have low vision. Additionally, it has also been utilised by auditory learners, children, non-native speakers (including second-languages learners), and readers with reduced literacy (e.g., dyslexia and aphasia). As with closed captions, audio description can be turned on or off as needed, and is not available with all television programs.
What SBS channels and platforms have audio description?
Audio described programs are currently broadcast on the following SBS television channels: SBS, SBS VICELAND, NITV and SBS World Movies.
What programs have audio description?
SBS aims to provide audio description for the widest range of content as appropriate—based on there being sufficient gaps in dialogue for insertion of audio description—including for dramas, documentaries, entertainment, children’s and cooking programs, as well as movies.
How many hours does SBS broadcast each week?
SBS broadcasts up to 27 hours of audio described programming every week. SBS publishes information about what programming is available with audio description each week on this page (click here).
You can find more information on how to access audio description services on SBS here.