British Sign Language

Channels that are regulated under the 2003 Communications act follow the Ofcom Code on Television Access Services to guide their provision of sign language content. Some channels are required to interpret a proportion of their content via a sign language translators. Others, like Sky, contribute to content created in British Sign Language by the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust.

Programmes interpreted in BSL

A number of programmes are interpreted in BSL are shown on our platform, and have [SL] in the programme information. You can search for programmes with sign language in the what's on TV section of this website. It's a full TV listing for the next seven days, and you can also use the remote record feature.

Programmes acted in BSL

We know how important BSL is in shows for the Deaf Community so we contribute to funding the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT), a charity that commissions TV shows made in British Sign Language by Deaf people for Deaf people.  

BSLBT was set up in 2008, with Ofcom’s approval, to offer commercial broadcasters an alternative way to meet regulatory requirements to offer sign language on their TV channels. We’ve been working closely with them ever since and we share in their vision:

• To enrich the lives of the BSL community with shows made from Deaf people’s perspectives to inform, educate, entertain and inspire
• To attract the widest possible audience with a rich and diverse BSL and Deaf culture 
• To encourage, support and develop Deaf people’s skills in making TV shows

 You’ll find BSLBT’s TV shows on the Community Channel and Film 4 or in the BSL Zone player and app.

Finding programmes with sign language

You can search for programmes with sign language in the what's on TV section of this website. It's a full TV listing for the next seven days, and you can also use the remote record feature.