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

The report highlights a notable advancement in audiovisual accessibility, particularly following the implementation 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 for subtitling has also become common, alongside quality control measures adhering to technical standards.

Audio description has increased significantly, especially on public 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 enhanced the quality of audio description, although implementation remains limited in conditional access and on-demand services.

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

Websites and applications have also 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 plan to consolidate and enhance existing services, increasing the use of AI for subtitling and audio description, expanding sign language services during peak viewing times, and improving the visibility of accessible content.

Among notable initiatives, the public broadcaster RTVE plans to launch a pilot news program in easy language aimed at individuals with cognitive disabilities.

While the report concludes that the state audiovisual sector has made significant strides in accessibility, it also notes ongoing challenges in certain on-demand services and specific content, indicating a need for continued efforts to strengthen accessibility strategies for full and universal access.