If you are watching the news and notice there is a sign language interpreter present, but the interpreter is not included in the framing or has been cut off and not fully visible onscreen, what do you do?

News media on TV stations

If you are watching on TV, you can directly reach out to the media. Here’s how:

1: Identify the Right Contact.

• Look for accessibility coordinators, public editors, or community engagement officers on the organization’s website.
• If none are listed, email the general contact or newsroom editor.
• Example subject line: “Request for Accessibility: Please Include Sign Language Interpreters in News Gathering"

2: Use Clear and Respectful Language. Do include the following information:

• Why the request matters (i.e. accessibility and inclusion for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing audience members)
• Ask if they have plans to expand the accessibility of their news coverage to reach a wider audience
• Examples of inclusion done well, if any, to help show your request is achievable and reasonable

The FCC shares that TV stations are encouraged to work with the community to include sign language if possible. The FCC rules do not require ASL to be shown on broadcast TV. It is better to share your concerns with the TV stations directly. You can find the contact information for the TV station in the FCC’s video programming distributors registry. 

Online platforms

If you are watching the news on an online platform (example YouTube, Facebook, Instagram) and see that the interpreter is not included in the framing or has been cut off and not fully visible, you can:

1. Make a comment on the video post, either written or in ASL (do include a transcript if you are doing an ASL video comment).
2. Alternatively, you can send a direct message via the message function within the online platform.
3. When sharing your message, do request that the ASL interpreter be fully visible onscreen.

In your comment or message, you can share the following:

• Point out the exclusion of the ASL interpreter on screen and request they be fully visible going forward.
• Explain why captions are not a perfect substitute, and ASL interpreters provide a fully accessible message through ASL.

Here is an email template to use when writing to TV stations as well as an example of a comment made on social media to help you get started:

Sample email template

Subject: Request for Accessibility – Include Sign Language Interpreters in News Videos
Dear [News Organization or Editor's Name],

I’m writing to respectfully request that your organization consider including sign language interpretation in your video news content.

Many deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing viewers rely on visual interpretation to access vital information, especially during breaking news, emergencies, and public health updates. While captions are helpful, sign language provides cultural and linguistic access that is essential to a large segment of the Deaf community.

Including sign language interpreters would be a major step toward making your content more inclusive and accessible. Some organizations have successfully implemented this, and it sets a strong example of equitable news coverage.

Could you please let me know whether this is something your team is considering?

Thank you for your time and your commitment to accessible journalism.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City/State, Optional]
[Your Contact Info]

Example of a comment made on social media platforms

“Disappointed to see that the ASL interpreter has been cut off in the video and not fully visible. Deaf people need direct access to news through ASL, and cutting off the interpreter prevents Deaf people from accessing the news. Please make your content accessible to all by including the ASL interpreter in the video frame. Thank you.”