At Public Television Service (PTS) Taiwan, we believe innovation is only as powerful as the barriers it breaks. We are thrilled to announce that our latest project, “AI-Assisted Audio Description for News,” has officially been selected for the 2026 nDX Digital Innovation Award.
This initiative is more than just a technological milestone; it is a commitment to ensuring that real-time information is accessible to everyone.
Innovation with a Purpose
Building on the success of our AI Sign Language Avatar, PTS continues to push the boundaries of media accessibility. While modern journalism relies heavily on visual data—infographics, live footage, and facial expressions—these elements often remain a “black hole” for the visually impaired. Our goal is to use AI to bridge this “last mile” of information equality.
The Synergy of Human & AI
We are often asked: “Will AI replace the experts?” At PTS, we view this as a partnership, not a paradox.
- AI for Efficiency: Our system handles most of the foundational work, such as identifying speakers, transcribing on-screen data, and timing.
- Human for Heart: Our professional editors and audio description experts provide the final works such as injecting narrative depth, journalistic context, and human warmth that no machine can replicate.
User-centric & Open Collaboration
This project is developed with the community, not just for them. By centering our design on actual user feedback and opening our doors to diverse participation, we aim to build an inclusive media ecosystem. In the spirit of public service, we look forward to sharing our findings and SOPs with the global media industry to foster a more accessible digital future.
What is nDX?
nDX (Taiwan News Digital Transformation Project) is a specialized grant program managed by the Digital Transformation Association (DTA). It was established through a partnership with Google, which committed NT$300 million over three years to support the digital evolution of Taiwan’s news industry.
