History
British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT) – a brief introduction
What is the BSLBT?
The British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT) was established in 2008 to increase the amount of sign-presented programming on television.
Why has it been set up?
Ofcom is the regulatory body for the field of media. There are over 60 television channels with an audience share of between 50,000 to 100,000 and they are now required by Ofcom to deliver BSL-presented programmes.
The BSLBT is the organisation that has been set up by both the Broadcasting and the Deaf Community to commission these new and exciting BSL-presented programmes.
The Trust has appointed Terry Riley as the Chief Executive, to drive this new initiative forward. Terry has a wealth of experience both of the Deaf Community and Deaf Television Broadcasting with the BBC. Details of the full Board of Directors and BSLBT staff can be found under the ‘Profiles’ section.
The BSL Zone went live on the Community Channel on January 21st with a pilot programme of “Wicked”. During February and March the BSL Zone showed selected documentaries from the BBC and C4. From April 2009, a range of different strands covering drama, chat shows to children’s shows and sport transmitted weekly.