Presentation Schedule
Bridging the Media Equity Gap: Evidence-Based Audio Subtitling Guidelines for Inclusive Access to Multilingual Content in Thailand (106281)
Monday, 15 June 2026 16:30
Session: Poster Session
Room: Auditorium Foyer (B1F)
Presentation Type:Poster Presentation
In Thailand, television regulations mandate Audio Description (AD) for people with visual impairment, yet no official guidelines exist for Audio Subtitling (AST)—the conversion of on-screen subtitle text into audio for foreign-language dialogues or multilingual content. This gap excludes viewers with visual impairment from subtitled multilingual media. This study develops evidence-based AST guidelines grounded in Inclusive Design and equity frameworks while examining barriers to cultural participation.
Nine participants with various types of visual impairment evaluated six video clips using three AST methods: voice-over, dubbing, and AI-driven synthetic speech. Findings show that AST combined with AD substantially enhanced comprehension compared to viewing original content without accessibility features, with greatest improvements in predominantly foreign-language content.
Critical design factors include voice-character gender matching, audio balancing, tight synchronization, and minimal text editing. Reflecting Thailand's dubbing culture, participants preferred dubbing-style AST for drama while accepting voice-over or AI-synthesized voices for factual content.
However, analysis of participant demographics revealed a critical equity gap: participants with higher education and employment access diverse AST via paid streaming platforms, while those from lower socio-economic backgrounds depend on limited free-to-air broadcasts or non-profit telephone services with minimal, delayed content. Some avoid foreign-language programs entirely, creating unequal cultural participation where economic status determines global media exposure.
This study concludes that technical guidelines are necessary but insufficient. Achieving cultural equity and building an inclusive society require multi-stakeholder collaboration—government policy, streaming platforms, broadcasters, and civil society—to ensure all individuals with visual impairment can access Thailand's increasingly multilingual media landscape.
Authors:
Phatteera Sarakornborrirak, Thammasat University, Thailand
About the Presenter(s)
Ms Phatteera Sarakornborrirak is a University Doctoral Student at Thammasat University in Thailand
See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule
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