NBCUniversal is preparing to deliver its most accessible Winter Olympics coverage to date for the Milan Cortina 2026 Games, with expanded audio description and closed captioning services, the company announced January 12, 2026.
All Olympic events broadcast across NBCUniversal’s platforms, including the Gold Zone whip-around show on Peacock, will feature closed captioning for viewers who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Closed captioning will likewise be available for digital livestreams with commentary across Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app, encompassing both live events and full event replays from linear coverage.
A significant expansion of audio description (AD) services will be implemented for the Milan Cortina Games. AD, which provides narrated descriptions of visual elements for viewers who are blind or have low vision, will be available on the second audio program (SAP) for all coverage on the NBC network – including full event replays – and the Gold Zone whip-around show on Peacock. This represents the most extensive audio description offering in the history of the Winter Olympics.
In a first for a U.S. Broadcaster during a Winter Olympics, NBCUniversal will provide audio description services in stereo, aiming to enhance sound quality for listeners. The NBC Sports’ Paralympic broadcast team, consisting of Tony Ambrogio, Adam Giardino, Pat McCarthy, Tony Simeone, and Norma Jean Wick, will be responsible for delivering the audio descriptions.
Alongside these broadcast enhancements, NBCUniversal is also improving the accessibility of its web content on NBCOlympics.com, focusing on keyboard navigation, color contrast, and compatibility with screen readers.
The announcement of enhanced accessibility measures comes as NBCUniversal prepares for extensive coverage of the Paralympic Winter Games, which will take place March 6-15, 2026. Programming will include over 80 televised hours on the NBC broadcast network and more than 250 hours of live streaming coverage on Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms. The Games will feature an opening ceremony at the Verona Olympic Arena and competitions at venues including the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre and Val di Fiemme.
The International Olympic Committee is also reviewing potential adjustments to future Winter Olympics and Paralympic schedules, citing concerns about warmer temperatures, though no specific changes have been announced.
