31 December 1998
Mr David Mason
Captioning Inquiry
HREOC
GPO Box 5218
SYDNEY 1042
Dear Mr Mason
I refer to to the HREOC closed captioning issues paper that was released for comment in late October.
SBS is disappointed that HREOC, in the issues paper, appears not to take the SBS view that the Television Broadcasting Services (Digital Conversion) Act 1998 is the primary legislation governing the closed captioning of free-to-air television programs for the deaf and hearing impaired. This Act provides for a comprehensive framework and standards for such captioning, and SBS will implement these standards accordingly when SBS commences the broadcast of television programs in the digital mode.
Our previous submission pointed out that funding has been a major constraint on the amount of closed captioning undertaken by SBS to date, particularly when closed captioning needs are set against the multiplicity of needs and interests that SBS must cater for as part of its Charter responsibilities. Our submission also demonstrated the potential effects on SBS television programming if SBS is forced to divert existing programming funds to closed captioning, particularly arising from the captioning provisions of the new digital television legislation. SBS will therefore be seeking Commonwealth financial assistance to undertake the additional captioning required.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Yours sincerely
Chris Sharp
Policy Manager