People with sensory disabilities are an important part of the public service media audience and we are committed to giving them the widest possible access to a wide range of content. This is part of our public service mission. We are driven by the 'principle of universality'.

In our response to the Commission’s consultation on accessible web & digital content for people with disabilities, we underscore our members’ proven track record of providing quality content for all segments of society. Our members do everything in their sphere of control to provide an accessible viewing/online environment. Our accessibility services are constantly increasing year after year. According to a pan-European study conducted by EBU services in 2019, all EBU members provide subtitling on their linear channels (100% of EBU members for 70% of broadcast content). 86% of them provide audio description and 84% sign language on at least some content.

The current European legislative framework on accessibility has undoubtedly enhanced the supply of accessibility services in Europe. The revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), coupled with the European Accessibility Act (EUAA),  provide a complete and coherent framework, addressing the accessibility of content (i.e. audiovisual media services) as well as ensuring unhindered access to such services through, for example, websites or applications.

As the European Commission considers an evaluation of the 2016 Web Accessibility Directive, we believe that the current exception for PSM websites contained in Directive is still valid and that an in-depth study is needed to assess any possible loopholes before any revision is carried out.