Explanatory note

This Order imposes a requirement on the Independent Television Commission (“the ITC”) to include, in their code on subtitling, signing and audio-description on Digital Terrestrial Television, an obligation to ensure that, in each week, at least 5% of so much of any digital programme service or qualifying service as consists of non-excluded programmes is presented in, or translated into, sign language.

Excluded programmes consist of those in relation to which the ITC considers it to be inappropriate for the obligation to apply. The obligation will only apply as from the tenth anniversary of the date on which the first digital television service is first broadcast.