The author of this article examines the role of the audience in audiovisual translation. First he attempts to specifiy this particular field of translation, listing 4 major characteristics: 1. audiovisual translation is produced through various channels 2. audiovisual translation is not only rendered by the translator but also by several other protagonists 3. the audience perceives an audiovisual product in at least 2 languages 4. every type of audiovisual translation has its own standards and norms. Secondly the degree of adaptation in relation to the audience is discussed and how different media require another level of adjustment. Finally the author looks into the heterogenity of the audience and the diachronic aspects of audiovisual translation.