RTE will not be providing audio description (AD) for the FIFA World Cup this year. In a statement released by our national broadcaster, they said that audiences will be able to keep up to date with the latest coverage in a way that suits them. But what abou  the 5% of us with various degrees blindness and vision impairment?

Picture this. Your sight isn’t good and you sit down to watch an RTE World Cup match. During the first 5 minutes alone the commentator and his colleague will tell you how both countries got to the World Cu and relate stories of some of the main players. Somehwere they’ll mention the first corner. But, you’re sitting there wondering when did the ref blow the starting whistle; where is the ball?  Who is playing left to right and what colours are they wearing; oh, there’s a corner but for which team? Don’t believe me, put on a blindfold and I’ll guarantee you what’s happening on the pitch will be a mystery.  Now RTE commentatiors are excellent but they are not briefed to provide AD for the 1 in 20 who can’t see what’s happening on the pitch and in the stadium.

When RTE do AD they are excellent at it. Witness the ceremonies for Paris 24m tip drama and entertainment.

In the spring of this year Ian McKinely and Stuart McAvoy gave us a masterclass in AD during their Six Nations commentary on Virgin Media. If Virgin can do, surely you can do it on RTE TV?

It’s not too late RTE you can do it. Make the World Cup accessible to all.

Please sign the petition below and show your support for our movement towards a more modern, smooth audio described media landscape in Ireland.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhrPa9zl5njPRrG6C7XOq5E9wJpmICXclNHLmFFrL0JzrPLg/viewform