Calling all the shots

Time travel suddenly became more accessible. There was a time when, if you couldn’t see whether Gene Hunt had just hit someone or been clouted himself, you’d have to rely on someone who could, filling you in on the action. But now shows like Ashes To Ashes (right) and Dr Who have been enhanced by being audio described.

Audio Description (AD) is an optional audio track which lets you know when smouldering looks are being exchanged or who just smacked whom in the face.

There are two reasons for it having become more available. Firstly, more broadcasters recognised their duty to make shows accessible across the whole range of audience needs, so they started adding AD and subtitles to more of their output. Secondly, there’s been a rise in availability of digital TV equipment which can carry the extra service.

But, according to figures from the broadcasting regulator Ofcom, 60 per cent of people have never heard of AD. That’s why, over the past few weeks, you may have seen promos for the service which have been running across more than 70 channels.

Broadcasters and the RNIB have also launched the Audio Description logo which will let you know whether the digibox you are about to buy will be capable of bringing the service to you.

Meanwhile, pressure has to remain on broadcasters to describe more of their programmes. Maybe we should ask Gene Hunt to go round and use his persuasive charms on them.