SVT Subtitles Criticized by Granskningsnämnden for Quality Issues
SVT faces criticism over subtitle quality from Granskningsnämnden, highlighting accessibility issues.
Key Points
- • Granskningsnämnden criticizes SVT's subtitles for significant quality issues.
- • Complaints about subtitle quality have been received by the Media Authority and Granskningsnämnden.
- • Quality issues may violate the Radio and TV Act regarding accessibility for disabled persons.
- • SVT acknowledges the criticism and is working on improvements.
The Granskningsnämnden has sharply criticized Sveriges Television (SVT) for significant deficiencies in the quality of its live broadcast subtitles. Following a review, the regulatory body flagged numerous complaints from viewers regarding the inadequacy of subtitles, particularly after SVT began utilizing AI tools for their generation approximately two years ago. This change appears to have exacerbated existing issues, raising concerns over compliance with the Radio and TV Act, which mandates that media services must be accessible to individuals with disabilities through appropriate subtitling.
Daniel Claesson from Sweden's Media Authority noted that the current problems with SVT's subtitles could potentially violate regulations aimed at ensuring accessibility. "We have received numerous complaints that point to substantial quality issues, which are unacceptable for public broadcasting," he stated. In response to the criticism, SVT's technical director Adde Granberg confirmed that the organization is taking the feedback seriously and is actively working on enhancements to improve subtitle quality. This issue has been highlighted as a recurring problem, with past criticisms suggesting that the automatic subtitles have become a source of ridicule and affect SVT's credibility in providing accessible media services.
The ongoing challenges of subtitle quality have ignited discussions about the need for more stringent standards in public broadcasting, especially as the shift to AI-generated content continues to evolve. SVT's commitment to rectify these shortcomings remains a pressing priority as they seek to maintain their public service mandate.