The BBC has confirmed it will provide live British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation for its election programming – just hours after ITV was criticised for not offering the same access provision for its first leaders’ debate on Tuesday.
Sunak vs Starmer: The ITV Debate, moderated by veteran newsreader Julie Etchingham, instead came with live subtitles, with the channel later committing to uploading a signed version of the programme to streaming platform ITVX within 24 hours.
The pledge came after lawyer Chris Fry of Inspire Legal, on behalf of Deaf actor and writer Katie Rowley, sent a pre-action letter to the broadcaster calling for live BSL to be provided.
Correspondence has also been sent to Sky and the BBC reminding them of their access requirements.
The BBC confirmed its election programming on Sunday night, with shows airing on BBC One, the BBC News Channel, local radio and BBC iPlayer.
On Friday, BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Mishal Hussain will host a debate between representatives from the seven major political parties in a 90-minute programme.
Those taking to the lectern for The BBC Election Debate were confirmed on Wednesday as being Penny Mordaunt (Conservatives), Angela Rayner (Labour), Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrats), Stephen Flynn (SNP), Carla Denyer (Green Party), Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru) and Nigel Farage (Reform UK).
A two-hour leaders’ special of Question Time will take place in York on 20 June, while The BBC Prime Ministerial Debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will air on 26 June from Nottingham.
On sign language access, the Wednesday press release goes on to add: “BBC News is aiming to make this election the most accessible to date and will carry live British Sign Language and subtitles on BBC News on a range of election programming including the two leader debates and the Question Time special, as well as throughout the election night.”
In a follow-up statement to Liam O’Dell, a BBC spokeswoman said BSL will be provided on the BBC News Channel.
Elsewhere, Channel 4 confirmed access plans for its election coverage on Thursday, saying in a statement issued to Liam O’Dell: “For any party debate programmes that we produce and broadcast on the channel, and our Election Night coverage, outside of news content, we plan to have onscreen BSL interpretation for our d/Deaf audiences at home, via a signed simulcast on a second channel.”
Sky News, meanwhile, has said it is still in the “early stages of planning” its election programming.
Liam O'Dell 