Abstract
<jats:p>The article analyses the concept of objectivity in audio description (AD) in the landscape of expanding media accessibility practices and tightening regulatory requirements for the provision and quality of access services for blind and visually impaired people. This work is highly relevant because objectivity is considered as a regulatory norm, a quality criterion, and is at the same time the subject of growing academic and professional discussions. The understanding of its role directly impacts accessibility of cultural and media products. The aim of this study is to systematise our understanding of objectivity and its perception in the context of audio description. Furthermore, the article traces the evolution of this concept in academic and applied research and correlates regulatory guidelines with real-world practices and technologies for media accessibility solutions. Methodologically, the article is based on a systematic review of international and Russian literature, legislation and professional standards (e.g., the Russian Government Standards/GOST and European regulations), training guidelines for audio describers, and empirical studies with user participation.</jats:p> <jats:p>It demonstrates that objectivity is an essential requirement and a fundamental norm in standards and training methods. However, in practice and research, it is understood as a relative parameter, intertwined with the audio describer’s interpretation, linguistic, and ethical decisions. The present review highlights several research perspectives: those insisting on minimising interpretations; studies describing the inevitability of subjectivity and offering evaluation tools; and projects involving users in assessing the quality of audio described products. Additionally, it brings into the discussion modern technological developments that enable collection of user feedback with subsequent adaptation of practices to the requirements of their intended audiences. A conclusion is drawn regarding the need to shift the emphasis from "objectivity" as an abstract term to clearer quality criteria that take into account user experience and contexts where AD is created. Thus, the notion of quality in AD, as perceived by users, is not absolute, but exists in a continuum between objectivity and subjectivity. The outcomes of the present study can be used in culture management when establishing accessibility standards, raising awareness of the requirements and trends for audio description specialists, development of specialist training programs, in outreach communications with communities of blind and partially sighted people. This article is intended for media accessibility researchers, cultural and mass media institutions, developers of audio description standards, and AD practitioners.</jats:p>