The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) has approved a report detailing the accessibility plans implemented by state-level audiovisual service providers from 2023 to 2025, with commitments for 2026-2028.

The report highlights significant progress in audiovisual accessibility in Spain, especially following the introduction of new quotas established by the General Audiovisual Communication Law (LGCA).

Key results from 2023-2025 show that subtitling remains the most widely implemented accessibility measure, with private channels achieving an average of 92.5% subtitled programming and public channels reaching 98.9%, exceeding legal minimums. The use of AI-based automatic systems has also become common, alongside quality control measures.

Audio description has increased, particularly in open television, with public channels surpassing 33 hours per week and private channels reaching 14 hours. Improvements in planning and the use of synthetic voices have been noted, although implementation remains limited in conditional access and on-demand services.

Sign language services have improved significantly due to new technologies, with all open channels meeting new legal minimums since July 2023. These technologies have enhanced service quality and visibility, reducing concentration in low-audience time slots.

Websites and applications have become more accessible, with most providers adapting to European accessibility standards, incorporating features like screen readers and automatic subtitling.

Looking ahead to 2026-2028, providers aim to consolidate and enhance existing services, increasing the use of AI for subtitling and audio description, expanding sign language during peak viewing times, and improving the clarity of accessible content signage. Notably, public broadcaster RTVE plans to launch a pilot news program in easy language for individuals with cognitive disabilities.

While the report concludes that the state audiovisual sector has made widespread advancements in accessibility, the CNMC notes ongoing challenges in certain on-demand services and specific content, necessitating continued efforts to strengthen accessibility strategies for full and universal access.