BBC in world first with iPlayer audio description

27th August 2009

The BBC has become the first broadcaster in the world to offer audio described TV programmes for blind and visually impaired audiences on its iPlayer video demand service Audio described programmes including Dr Who, Being Human, Little Britain, EastEnders and Tracy Beaker are among programmes in a range of genres which are available in the new category on the corporation's catch up service.

There are also plans to extend the coverage of the service to include more of the BBC's weekly broadcast audio described programmes.

Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB, said that the launch was 'a major breakthrough', describing the service as a 'great leap forward in access ... which will hopefully reverberate around the world.'