Comcast, NBC Bring Video Descriptions to ‘The Wiz Live!’

Billing it as a first for a live entertainment broadcast show in the US, Comcast said it will include video descriptions with NBC’s production of "The Wiz Live!", an element that will make the show accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. During NBC’s live broadcast, set to start Thursday, Dec. 3 (also the International Day of Persons with Disabilities) at 8 pm, the video description component will provide a narration track that’s included between the natural pauses in dialogue that describes visual elements of show, such as facial expressions, settings, information about costumes, and stage direction (this brief video offers a more thorough explanation).

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said, "During this time of year, we’re reminded that everyone should have access to the joy of the season. That’s why it’s ‘genius’ that Comcast and NBC Universal will enable Americans with vision loss to enjoy a live broadcast show, The Wiz Live!, through visual description technology. Now, Americans with visual impairments across the country will be able to fully experience a lion get his courage, a scarecrow get his brain, and a tinman find his heart through this technology. It’s a historic first for live TV entertainment.”