Code on television access services - Ofcom

Topics

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services.

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Ofcom's work

Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint we deal with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

TV, radio and on-demand Accessibility (TV, radio and on demand) Information for industry

Published: 27 September 2011

Last updated: 15 July 2024

TV access services are additional facilities supplied by broadcasters that are designed to allow hearing and visually impaired consumers to gain access to TV content.

This code sets outs the requirements on subtitling, sign language and audio description ('television access services') that apply to television broadcasters.

Code on television access services (PDF, 294.0 KB)
Cod Ofcom ar Wasanaethau Mynediad ar gyfer Teledu (PDF, 325.1 KB
Updated 15 April 2024

Plain English Summary of TV access services code (PDF, 148.7 KB)

Best practice guidelines

Ofcom’s Guidelines on Providing TV and On-Demand Access Services (PDF, 328.6 KB)
Canllawiau Ofcom ar Ddarparu Gwasanaethau Mynediad ar gyfer Teledu ac Ar-alw (PDF, 354.1 KB)

Plain English Summary of the Best Practice Guidelines (PDF, 135.8 KB)

Resources on accessibility best practice

Best practice guidelines (PDF, 174.3 KB)

Channels required to provide access services

Television channels required to provide access services in 2025 (PDF, 196.0 KB)
Sianeli teledu sy’n gorfod darparu gwasanaethau mynediad yn 2025 (PDF, 195 KB)

Television channels required to provide access services in 2024 (PDF, 156.6 KB)

Television channels required to provide access services in 2023 (PDF, 158.9 KB)

Television channels required to provide access services in 2022 (PDF, 155.5 KB)

Television channels required to provide access services in 2021 (PDF, 382.5 KB)

Television channels required to provide access services in 2020 (PDF, 187.5 KB)

Related Content

Usability and accessibility research

This section covers research into usability of devices and services, and accessibility, particularly in relation to older people and those with disabilities.

See also...

TV operations

Information about TV operations, including licensee data collection and access services reports.

Content standards

The Charter gives Ofcom responsibility for regulating the content standards of the BBC’s television, radio and on-demand programmes.

Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin: Notes to broadcasters

Ofcom occasionally publishes notes to alert broadcasters and on demand service providers to key changes or information.

General Conditions of Entitlement