site.btaBulgarian National Radio to Launch Programme Entirely in Bulgarian Sign Language

Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) will launch a programme entirely in Bulgarian sign language, BNR Director General Milen Mitev announced on the International Day of Sign Languages, September 23. Together with a sign language interpreter, he addressed the Deaf community in Bulgaria.  

Having already provided sign language interpretation for its main news broadcasts, BNR is taking the next step towards greater accessibility and inclusion with the launch of a new online public affairs and entertainment programme entirely in Bulgarian sign language, with subtitles and voice-overs, aimed at the entire audience. It will feature short news items from Bulgaria and abroad, cultural announcements, interviews, and stories about good practices in the inclusion of people from the Deaf community.

The programme will be 30 minutes long, initially twice a month, and will be distributed on BNR's website, video channel, and social networks.

“It is our responsibility at Bulgarian National Radio to reach everyone. Our goal is for this programme to ensure full media accessibility for Deaf people through a podcast created by them and for them, with high-quality content of great public value,” said the BNR Director General. “BNR continues to promote Bulgarian sign language, remaining a leader in the implementation of the law in the media. We want to increase the visibility of Bulgarian sign language and its importance, as well as provide a new media space for the Deaf community and its hearing friends,” Mitev added.

In this regard, the public radio station is announcing a selection process for two specialists who are native speakers of Bulgarian sign language to be authors, hosts, and reporters for the programme. They must be fluent in Bulgarian sign language with excellent language skills and connections to the Deaf community. An interest or experience in media and/or cultural activities will be an advantage. The deadline for submitting applications is October 31. More information about the selection process is available on BNR's website.