The 'News for the Deaf' program was the first of its kind in Europe and Ireland, and it began airing on January 6, 1975. The day's news was summarised by an announcer and displayed on screen as a script.

The National Association for Deaf People, which is now known as Chime, was consulted during its creation. One hundred thousand people watch the current version, RTÉ News with ISL, which airs seven days a week.

ISL is used by about 5,000 Deaf people in Ireland, while an additional 40,000 people, including family members, interpreters, and coworkers, utilise it on a regular basis.

Daily ISL news "remains vital" in giving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population complete access to national news in their own language, according to Lianne Quigley, chair of the Irish Deaf Society and member of the RTÉ ISL News team.

As RTÉ commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first news for the Deaf, it is crucial to take stock of our progress. Although RTÉ started out with news that was read aloud, the introduction of daily ISL news in 1992 was revolutionary, she continued.

"This 50-year journey is a testament to inclusivity and innovation," stated Deirdre McCarthy, managing director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs. Our cooperation with institutions like Chime and The Irish Deaf Society, which guarantees that we represent everyone, is greatly appreciated.