Restore the 07:00 BSL-signed BBC News Bulletin
The Issue
I pay my TV licence because I believe in the importance of public service broadcasting. But this support must be mutual. Recently, the BBC made the decision to remove the 07:00 UK-wide BSL (British Sign Language) news bulletin and also reduced the lunchtime signed news in Northern Ireland, which was removed in 2024. These changes have significantly affected accessibility for Deaf viewers who rely on these services to stay informed.
The removal of these essential services fails to provide equal access to critical information for Deaf individuals across the UK and Northern Ireland. This is not a minor issue — it is a serious setback for inclusivity, equality, and fair access, which should be central to the BBC’s mission.
The TV licence fee is funded by the public, and this funding should be used equitably to meet the needs of all audiences, including the Deaf community. When services that are vital to a specific group are taken away, it undermines the principles of fairness and accessibility that the BBC is expected to uphold.
This issue matters deeply because many Deaf people rely on these signed bulletins not only for daily news but also for understanding decisions, rights, and events that affect their lives. For many, BSL-accessible news is a lifeline — helping them stay connected, informed, and included.
I am calling on the BBC to re-evaluate its decision and ensure that Deaf audiences are not marginalised. By restoring the 07:00 BSL-signed news bulletin and ensuring regular signed broadcasts in Northern Ireland, the BBC can demonstrate its continued commitment to accessible and inclusive programming.
Join me in urging the BBC to honour its role as a public service broadcaster by signing this petition. Let’s stand together in support of accessibility and fairness for all.
I have already contacted BBC Northern Ireland directly to raise these concerns and am awaiting their response. This petition is an additional step to show how important accessible BSL news is to communities across the UK and Northern Ireland.
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The Issue
I pay my TV licence because I believe in the importance of public service broadcasting. But this support must be mutual. Recently, the BBC made the decision to remove the 07:00 UK-wide BSL (British Sign Language) news bulletin and also reduced the lunchtime signed news in Northern Ireland, which was removed in 2024. These changes have significantly affected accessibility for Deaf viewers who rely on these services to stay informed.
The removal of these essential services fails to provide equal access to critical information for Deaf individuals across the UK and Northern Ireland. This is not a minor issue — it is a serious setback for inclusivity, equality, and fair access, which should be central to the BBC’s mission.
The TV licence fee is funded by the public, and this funding should be used equitably to meet the needs of all audiences, including the Deaf community. When services that are vital to a specific group are taken away, it undermines the principles of fairness and accessibility that the BBC is expected to uphold.
This issue matters deeply because many Deaf people rely on these signed bulletins not only for daily news but also for understanding decisions, rights, and events that affect their lives. For many, BSL-accessible news is a lifeline — helping them stay connected, informed, and included.
I am calling on the BBC to re-evaluate its decision and ensure that Deaf audiences are not marginalised. By restoring the 07:00 BSL-signed news bulletin and ensuring regular signed broadcasts in Northern Ireland, the BBC can demonstrate its continued commitment to accessible and inclusive programming.
Join me in urging the BBC to honour its role as a public service broadcaster by signing this petition. Let’s stand together in support of accessibility and fairness for all.
I have already contacted BBC Northern Ireland directly to raise these concerns and am awaiting their response. This petition is an additional step to show how important accessible BSL news is to communities across the UK and Northern Ireland.
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Petition created on 6 March 2026