In a first for Channel 4, prime time continuity announcing will be subtitled for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. Channel 4 announced the latest addition to its Continuity Team with 27 year-old Chris Renouf taking on announcing duties during prime time, as part of the broadcaster’s Year of Disability.
As part of its commitment to opening up the airwaves to alternative voices, Channel 4 has invited young people with disabilities to become the voice of the broadcaster and announce some of the channel’s biggest shows.
Chris, who is deaf and has mild cerebral palsy, will be telling his story on air alongside fulfilling the usual continuity duties from 6pm this Friday. His voice will be heard announcing programmes such as Channel 4 News, Gogglebox and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Channel 4 has also arranged for subtitling to be available during Chris’ announcing. This marks the first time Channel 4 has subtitled content for their prime time continuity breaks.
Chris worked closely with Isla Paton and Barra Fitzgibbon, Channel 4 Continuity Creative Managers, to develop his script.
Paul Sapsford, Group Continuity Manager, Channel 4 said: “After launching this initiative earlier this year we are delighted to have Chris come on board as our second announcer and take control of the continuity mic for the evening. With the start of the Rio Paralympic Games just around the corner, it’s been great that we’ve been able to work with Chris to help further increase the representation of disabled people on Channel 4.”
Chris commented: “I’m looking forward to hearing my voice on air tomorrow evening, especially as I’ll be heard around popular programmes like The Simpsons and Gogglebox. A big thank you to Barra and Isla for helping me with my script and I’m also very grateful to Channel 4 for this opportunity.”
Channel 4’s Continuity Team has a long held reputation for its bold, edgy and innovative approach to providing programme links for viewers. Earlier this year Olivia Hale, who has high-functioning autism, became the first to take part in the initiative.
