Access Services community

The EBU Access Services Community unites Public Service Media colleagues to work together to enhance access to PSM content. This includes subtitling, signed content, audio description, audio subtitling and support for individuals with learning disabilities, neurodiversity or language issues. The goal is to ensure all members' content is accessible across various platforms.

This group serves as a platform for decision-makers within EBU Member organisations and welcomes other stakeholders such as universities, researchers, regulators, suppliers, associations and audience interest groups.

The group examines accessibility from different perspectives, including technical, production, editorial, management, legal, policy and audience-related concerns. It maintains close collaboration with the EBU Media Access Technology Group.

The community is managed by a project manager and supported by a newly established steering group. It falls under the activities of the EBU's Media Department.

Aims

• Discuss new technologies and developments of Access Services
• Showcase best practices and case studies
• Stimulate and support the exchange of knowledge, technologies, products and services
• Achieve standardisation to develop industry-common formats and processes
• Update the Members about key trends, challenges, changes and solutions
• Conduct surveys and disseminate statistics
• Hold webinars on key subjects and an annual community meeting

Access Services community steering group

The steering group advises the EBU on the latest trends and challenges and provides a sounding board for EBU-related activities and the wider community.

The group aims to provide high-quality initiatives, share knowledge and information, celebrate excellence and innovation and encourage collaboration.

The members are:

• Nicole Foltys, ZDF
• Diane Bessis, France Télévisions
• Veronika Rot, RTVSLO
• Alexandra Hjelm, SVT
• Leen van Wichelen, VRT

Access Services community meeting

Access Services experts meet annually in person during a plenary session to discuss challenges and solutions. This event has become essential for those working in accessibility across EBU organisations.

Members come together to share projects, outline best practices, learn from each other, and network in an informal setting. The community meeting is open to all EBU members and selected external guests.

The next meeting will take place on 6-7 November 2025 at DW Headquarters in Bonn, Germany.

Community publications

23.96.2022 PSM Access Services Survey 2022

24.08.2021 5 Easy ways to make your social media content more accessible

15.05.2020  EBU Access Services Group Responses to COVID-19 Situation  

17.10.2019: EBU Access Services Pan European Survey - Update

02.11.2016: EBU Access Services Pan European Survey