CAB submits action plan on reflection of persons with disabilities

On August 16, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) filed an action plan for examining issues concerning the presence, portrayal and participation of persons with disabilities in television programming. The organization proposes establishing a steering committee and outreach committees to oversee and conduct research on the matter, and to produce a set of materials on the matter for broadcasters. The CAB proposes having a final report on the matter to the CRTC by next summer. Below is an excerpt of the action plan submitted to the commission. The majority of individuals the CAB consulted were uniformly of the opinion that the primary reason for the lack of sensitivity and understanding of the above-noted issues (persons with disabilities rarely present on TV, focus is on the disability and not the person, stereotyping, misuse of terms and images, portrayal on TV of people with disabilities by able-bodied performers, and unbalanced and inaccurate reporting of issues concerning persons with disabilities) is that very few newsrooms, production studios, and/or programming teams include persons with disabilities. Some noted that the inclusion of journalists with disabilities on various editorial boards would ensure that issues are dealt with in a more inclusive manner. …The CAB believes that the media, and particularly television, can play a strong role in changing public perspective on social issues. Increased visibility, more accurate portrayal and positive messaging can all have a strong impact on forming more inclusive practices in all areas of society. ...The CAB believes it is important for senior broadcast executives to have an opportunity to meet with knowledgeable people from various disability communities in order to have a better understanding of the existing concerns and areas for advancement. Such contact will also ensure that senior levels of the industry will buy into the process and its outcomes. For this reason, the CAB will create a subcommittee of the Joint Societal Issues Committee (JSIC). This steering committee will be a relatively small group of senior executives from the broadcasting industry who will oversee the implementation of the CAB’s Action Plan and its report to the CRTC. …The CAB does not believe it would be worthwhile to conduct an extensive content analysis of broadcast television programming. The data provided earlier makes it very clear that there is an obvious absence of persons with disabilities among the employees of Canadian television broadcasters. Undertaking an extensive content analysis would not shed any new light on this situation. In order to address concerns regarding the presence, portrayal and participation of persons with disabilities in television programming the CAB believes that its approach must be both tactical and short term and strategic and longer term. …In the short term, it will be important to provide information to broadcasters on a wide range of topics, including appropriate language and portrayal. The development of tool kits that deal with issues such as how to ensure that persons with disabilities for jobs within the industry and training targeted at a broader understanding of portrayal and other issues. …In the longer term, the CAB will work with its industry partners to develop a strategy to attract more people to broadcasting. The CAB believes this involves action at four levels: Advancement of individuals already established in the industry, including training opportunities, promotion to positions of more responsibility and developing role models. Retention of individuals just starting in the industry - internships and mentoring can play an important role. University or college students graduating from programs that feed into the industry - providing information as to educational choices and work experiences that will prepare them for the kinds of positions likely to be available. Primary and secondary school - outreach to young persons with disabilities to show that broadcasting and its related industries are viable options for them.

CAB submits action plan on reflection of persons with disabilities

News | 08/27/2004 4:00 am EDT

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