EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis has called out broadcaster Channel 4 after they failed to add subtitles to their services for approximately twelve days.
The actress, who is currently strutting her stuff on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, took to Instagram after hearing and visually impaired viewers were unable to watch their favourite TV shows.
Due to the technical problems that have plagued the channel over the last few days, multiple viewers have been left stranded.
Taking to her Instagram story on Friday afternoon, Rose penned: “It’s been 12 days and no subtitles on any programme live nor online!”
She continued: “Channel 4 please sort it out. It so unfair that the deaf community cannot enjoy their favourite programme.”
(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
“Imagine if sound stopped working for 12 days. There would be an uproar.”
Along with her strong heart felt message, the Albert Square star also tagged television regulator Ofcom in her message.
Daily Star has contacted Channel 4 for comment.
Although the star aimed her grievance at Channel 4, they are currently not the only broadcaster that has suffered technical issues over the last few days as Channel 5 have also encountered problems with their subtitling service.
(Image: Instagram)
Talking to iNews regarding the outage, an Ofcom spokesperson said: “We are extremely concerned given the impact on people who rely on these services to access television.
“As an immediate priority, we are closely monitoring the steps being taken by broadcasters in ensuring that normal service resumes as quickly as possible, and that consumers are kept informed.
“If any broadcasters fail to meet their annual access services requirements as a result of these issues, we will consider the appropriate regulatory response.”
(Image: PA)
A spokesperson for The National Deaf Children’s Society also shared their views on the matter and said: “The lack of communication over how long this will last, and which programmes are affected, is unacceptable.
“Broadcasters need to be clear about when this issue will be fixed. Sadly, this is yet another chapter in the lack of accessible TV and news that deaf young people face every day.”
TV company Red Bee Media, is responsible for providing subtitle, audio description and sign language to homes across the country.
However, the company has been ineffective since staff was forced to evacuate its West London offices in September due to a fire scare.
Despite this, there is still no explanation behind the ongoing issues at Red Bee Media, but the company has said it is working “day and night” to resolve the issue.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
