Accessibility – Content Accessible to Everyone
As a public service broadcaster, ARTE is committed to making its programmes and digital content accessible to as many people as possible. Digital inclusion is one of ARTE’s core values and is fully integrated into its broader social and environmental responsibility strategy.
ARTE continuously works to improve the accessibility of both its content and its digital services.
Accessible programmes
ARTE offers adapted versions of many of its programmes for blind and visually impaired audiences through audio description, and for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences through accessible subtitles. These services are primarily available for the French and German versions of ARTE’s content, both on air and on arte.tv and the ARTE mobile and smart TV apps.
Audio description: accessible prime-time programming
Audio description makes audiovisual content accessible to blind and visually impaired audiences through an additional voice track describing key visual elements.
ARTE has long played a pioneering role in offering audio-described versions of its programmes and systematically involves blind and visually impaired contributors in the production process.
The number of audio-described programmes continues to grow each year. As part of its Group strategy, ARTE aims to offer at least six audio-described prime-time programmes per week in both France and Germany. These are mainly films, fiction and selected major documentaries broadcast during peak viewing hours.
Accessible subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences
Accessible subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences provide not only dialogue, but also information about speakers and relevant sounds such as music, sound effects and atmosphere.
ARTE is continuously working to expand subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, and the number of accessible programmes available with this feature are steadily increasing.
Improved audio comfort
To make listening easier, ARTE also offers a “clear speech” audio track designed to improve speech clarity by reducing background noise and music levels. This option is available for most programmes in French and German broadcast on air and on the arte.tv platform.
Accessible digital interfaces
arte.tv and ARTE apps are designed to be accessible Whether on the website or through the ARTE app, people with disabilities should have access to the same information and core interactions as all other users.
Navigation has been simplified both across pages and within pages. Blind and visually impaired users can browse and choose programmes by interest or topic. The video player can be operated by keyboard and is compatible with assistive technologies. Users can also adjust subtitle size.
As part of its ongoing accessibility efforts, ARTE applies the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to its digital services, at Level A and, for some user journeys, Level AA, in line with international accessibility standards. ARTE has carried out accessibility audits of its main website and iOS app, and has also trained project teams in digital accessibility.
Since 2019, ARTE has reviewed the accessibility of its web and mobile interfaces every year in order to maintain standards and avoid regressions as features evolve.
Disability representation on screen
ARTE is committed to representing disability on screen in a thoughtful and inclusive way, without stereotypes or clichés. Its fiction and documentary programmes highlight a wide range of stories in which people with disabilities are presented as full participants in their own lives, rather than through reductive or one-dimensional portrayals.
Accessible cultural events
Since 2020, ARTE has partnered with initiatives that aim to make culture more accessible to everyone. As part of this commitment, ARTE supports public screenings with subtitles and audio description, helping broaden access to cultural experiences.
