Disability equality in the media
Media coverage has a huge impact on public perceptions, attitudes, and behaviour of all citizens. Yet, persons with disabilities are often excluded from media coverage. Audiences with disabilities often consume content in audio, video, text, or digital formats that do not meet accessibility requirements. In addition, media organizations provide limited workplace accommodations for media professionals with disabilities. In fostering media diversity, UNESCO aims to help the media to integrate the principles of inclusion, equality and equity into all programming, reporting, content production and dissemination, operations and management practices.
UNESCO work with partners and donors who wish to enhance the impact of the media in changing perceptions, ending discrimination and stigma, and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in social development. Through voluntary contributions, we build partnerships and initiatives, so that together we can give persons with disabilities the image they deserve and ensure their equal rights to participate in cultural, economic and political development on an equal level with other members of society.
Practical Manual on Disability Equality in the Media
UNESCO is preparing the Practical Manual on Disability Equality in the Media to encourage the media to promote respect for inclusion, equality and meaningful engagement and participation of persons with disabilities. The Practical Manual will cover the following three areas:
- Inclusive editorial content and equitable media programming;
- Making media content and operations accessible to persons with disabilities;
- Adopting inclusive management practices.
The publication is tailored for all media professionals, from journalists, producers and designers to human resources staff and managers. It applies the human rights approach, gender equality and non-discrimination principles, and includes good practices for reporting on disability, including interviewing techniques, appropriate language, and other issues. The manual also provides technical recommendations for producing TV, radio, print and online content that can reach persons with disabilities. Similarly, managers in the media sector will find comprehensive guidance on how to promote better conditions in the media workplace.
Master Class on Disability Equality in the Media
UNESCO, in collaboration with partners, has developed a Master Class Video Series on Disability Equality in the Media. The video series are designed for all media professionals, from editors and reporters to human resources officers and managers. This video series contributes to the promotion of international standards in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. UNESCO Master Class Video Series is hosted by Ms Sophie Morgan, journalist, and disability rights activist, with an introduction by Mr Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, and with the participation of Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Ms Christiane Amanpour, journalist and television presenter, and Ms Jane Constance, UNESCO Artist for Peace. The video series was produced by UNESCO in collaboration with Beyond Borders Media.
Webinar and Exclusive Preview: Disability Equality in Media
Watch UNESCO multi-stakeholder webinar and exclusive preview "Disability Equality in the Media". The event brought together media professionals, experts, and persons with disabilities to discuss equitable media programming and editorial policies, accessible media content production and dissemination, and inclusive management practices and operations. In the occasion, an exclusive preview of the UNESCO Master Class on Disability Equality in the Media was screened to the audience.
