Major broadcasters start sign language service on main news programs

Jung Eun-kyeong, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, holds a press briefing with a sign language interpreter on Aug. 31. [NEWS1]

Korea's three major TV networks — KBS, MBC and SBS — have started or will start a sign language interpretation service on their prime-time news programs for the convenience of people with disabilities.

MBC said it has begun the real-time sign-language interpretation system on its "News Desk," which airs at 8 p.m. every day, from Monday.

It is the first time that the public broadcaster has run its key news program with a sign language interpreter in the right bottom corner. It currently provides the service on morning and midday news shows.

"It is too late to start the sign language interpretation service on 'News Desk,'" MBC said in a statement released Monday. "We will make constant efforts to help people with and without disabilities watch news programs together."

KBS, a state-run TV station, and another terrestrial network, SBS, earlier said they will launch the same service for their prime-time news programs on Thursday and later this month, respectively.

The moves came as the National Human Rights Commission in May recommended the broadcasters provide sign language interpretation on their main news shows to give equal opportunities to hearing-impaired people in watching news programs.

The People's Coalition for Media Reform, a Seoul-based civic group, welcomed the decision and hoped other cable TV channels adopt the service.

"Those terrestrial channels' prime-time news programs cover comprehensive news reports on society, economy, culture and international issues, and broadcasters should give equal access to all people regardless of their disabilities," it said. "We hope that they are not the last ones to adopt the sign language interpretation service."

Yonhap