ITV Must Subtitle 80% Of Programmes By 2004

Following extensive consultation, the Independent Television Commission (ITC) has decided to retain the requirement that 80 per cent of ITV programmes by subtitled. The ITC did not accept that the quota should be reduced but did allow an extra two years to allow ITV licensees to achieve this. The result is that the 80 per cent target must be reached by 2004. The ITC stressed the importance of subtitling peak programming and asked that the high proportion of subtitled peak programmes is sustained.

A lower requirement has been set for GMTV than for the regional licensees as much of GMTV’s output is live. The specific requirements are: Regional ITV licensees – 83 per cent; GMTV – 58 per cent. This will be reviewed in 2001.

Independent Television Commission: 0171 306 7743/4