David Blunkett: Broadcasters are failing older viewers with poor subtitles
GARBLED television subtitles risk alienating older viewers, David Blunkett has said.
The ex-Home Secretary, 66, claimed broadcasters were failing an ageing population with sight and hearing problems.
He cited football subtitles that told bemused fans a player was “fouled by a zebra” – when a commentator had made a reference to Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra.
Mr Blunkett, who is blind, told the Radio Times: “In an ageing population, people with hearing and sight impairments are becoming mainstream.”
He also called for more dubbing on foreign films to help the vision-impaired.
Ofcom said it is finalising plans to improve subtitles.