Sirs / Madam,

                    May I, first of all  inform you that I am aged 70 and unfortunately went totally DEAF in 1953 while doing my National service in West Africa. I contracted Tubercular Meningitis and the drug, Streptomycin sent me totally deaf. My great interest with Lord Ashley was to see a great increase in Subtitling  not only on BBC but ALL TV Channels.  I rely heavily on Subtitled programmes rather than 'SIGN'.

The BBC has been in the forefront of subtitling for many years and I greatly appreciate this. In 1992  I was awarded the British Empire Medal for my work with the subtitling lobby with CEEFAX and ORACLE, (ITV). I have even been a presenter on our DEAF programme 'SEE HEAR'.

The above will give you some idea why I am writing to you regarding the Digital era that is now on our doorstep. I have been reluctant so far to engage with Digital as I am not too happy that DEAF people will get a good Service when Analogue ceases. I do know that there is Subtitling on Digital, but will this increase?  We may be a minority audience, but just as important as the Ethnic minority. I have been to visit the Subtitling Unit many times and have always come away with the impression that targets will be adhered to on Analogue, but get a hazy answer when I ask about Digital. Deaf People, do not earn as much as hearing people and this is a big 'IF'  I want to get, not only a better picture, but WILL there be targets for the Digital TV Channels too.

'Live' subtitling, I know, is labour intensive and we will put up with mistakes that inevitably happen at times, but there are still BIG breaks without apologies that are most frustrating. All credit to the Units at the BBC, but I would be glad to hear from you that Digital will be worth MY MONEY and include further targets for subtitling in the not too distant future.

Please be good enough to reply by email with your comments on the above. I am a member of the DBC, and I know they campaign on our behalf.

Thank you for reading these comments.

I remain Sir / Madam,

                                     Alan. M. Roberts. (MBE.)