Frequently asked questions about audio-subtitling and subtitling services for TV programmes

The requirements of providing audio-subtitling and subtitling services concern the channels of Yle, the Finnish Broadcasting Company, (TV1, TV2 and Fem/Teema) and the channels MTV3 and Nelonen.

On Yle’s TV channels, audio-subtitling and subtitling services must be provided for 100 per cent of programme hours. On the channels MTV3 and Nelonen, the required share is 75 per cent.
 

In on-demand programme services, audio-subtitling and subtitling must be provided for the same programming as on television. This means, for example, that the requirement only applies to those programmes that the broadcaster MTV Oy broadcasts on its channel MTV3 and programmes that Sanoma Media broadcasts on its channel Nelonen, not to other programmes provided by the companies. In on-demand programme services, audio-subtitling and subtitling services must be provided for 30 per cent of the programmes covered by the obligation.

No. The requirements only concern subtitling for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), meaning subtitles provided in the same language as the programme.

Audio-subtitling must be included in all foreign-language programmes (i.e. programmes with translated subtitles) apart from live broadcasts of musical performances and live broadcasts of sports programmes.

Audio-subtitling makes it easier for those with visual impairments and print disabilities to watch foreign-language television programmes with translated subtitles.

Subtitles do not have to be provided for live broadcasts of musical performances and sports programmes.

The subtitling service for regional news broadcasts may be provided in connection with repeat broadcasts within 24 hours of the original broadcast and via on-demand programme services as soon as the subtitles are available.

Audio-subtitling must be provided for foreign-language programmes with translated subtitles apart from the live broadcasts of musical performances and sports programmes. In audio-subtitling, the subtitles on the screen are automatically read out loud as synthetic speech.

The subtitling service must be provided in Finnish for all Finnish-language programmes and in Swedish for all Swedish-language programmes, with the exception of live broadcasts of musical performances and sports programmes.

The way to turn on subtitles varies from device to device. For instructions on subtitles, see for example:

- the Yle website (in Finnish and Swedish)

- the MTV website (in Finnish)

If programme details say that subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are provided for a specific programme but you have been unable to view them, there may have been a technical error. There may be differences in how subtitling is activated on HD and SD channels. Subtitling may also function differently in different devices.

If you have difficulties with subtitles, please contact the television broadcaster whose programmes the issue concerns.

The number and share of programme hours for which audio-subtitling or subtitling has been available is monitored via an annual survey 

The results are always published on the Traficom website in the following spring. Guidelines on the quality of the subtitling service have been provided to all television broadcasters and published on the Traficom website. We also conduct surveys and studies on the quality and, when necessary, can reprimand a television broadcaster and require it to rectify the neglect within a reasonable time.