CCR Editorial

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. Recent conversations about accessibility of TV programming have me wondering if a concerted effort is required to get Canada’s broadcast community on the same page where viewers with disabilities are concerned. Section 3(1)(p) of Part I of the Broadcasting Act expressly states that "programming accessible by disabled persons should be provided…as resources become available for the purpose." However, in the following part of the act, section 5(2)(g) provides some relief for broadcasters: "The Canadian broadcasting system should be regulated and supervised in a flexible manner that…is sensitive to the administrative burden that…may be imposed on persons carrying on broadcasting undertakings," it reads. The above has governed how broadcasters have largely viewed making programming accessible to those with visual and aural impairments to date: it’s definitely required, but the timeline to introduce it depends on each broadcasters’ circumstances and financial situation. In Public Notice 2006-77, however, the CRTC reviews a report commissioned by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters on portrayal of minorities and notes that not only do persons with disabilities lag women, Aboriginal persons and visible minorities in front of and behind the camera, they face additional obstacles in everyday life. If we are truly serious about forging an inclusive society – and I believe the overwhelming number in the broadcasting industry are – we should take the opportunity to look again at how well television as a leisure and recreational pursuit, not just as an economic subsector, is serving Canada’s population with disabilities.

CCR Editorial

Broadcast | August 15, 2006

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us