AMI partners with CHEK-TV to increase accessible programming for the blind and partially sighted community

TORONTO, Aug. 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) announced today that it has partnered with CHEK-TV in British Columbia to help make the independent broadcaster's programming lineup more accessible to the blind and low vision community.

Beginning Saturday, September 3 at 11pm PT, CHEK-TV will air 2 hours per week of AMI-tv programming with open described video, a first for the only independent, employee owned television station in Canada.

"We're thrilled to collaborate with CHEK-TV and provide homegrown, entertaining and inclusive programming to its viewers," explains Brian Perdue, Director of Programming for AMI-tv. "This is an unprecedented relationship that was recognized by the CRTC as an innovative approach to ensure that CHEK-TV offers programming that is accessible to its viewers who are blind or partially sighted. AMI-tv can deliver this programming in a way that no other broadcaster can."

CHEK-TV will air a selection of AMI original programs including AMI's flagship program AMI This Week along with Four Senses, Blind Sighted with Kelly MacDonald, Access Unlimited, Sports Access and more. All of AMI's original programs are produced using a technique called Integrated Described Video whereby descriptions are integrated organically into the program alongside natural sound, to make it accessible to a blind and partially sighted audience.

"This partnership enables CHEK-TV to reach the more than 65,000 individuals in British Columbia who are blind or low vision," adds Bill Pollock, Program Manager for CHEK. "We are pleased to provide programming that is not only relevant to that audience but also accessible and engaging. We look forward to a successful relationship with AMI and the opportunity for future growth."

For a complete list of AMI-tv programs airing on CHEK-TV beginning Saturday, September 3, visit www.CHEKnews.ca. For further information on AMI and to find the channel listings in your area, visit www.AMI.ca.

About Accessible Media Inc.
Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is a not-for-profit multimedia organization serving more than five million Canadians who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, hard of hearing, mobility or print restricted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI's mission is to make accessible media for all Canadians. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.