Hromadske Radio: Implementing Equality, Inclusion, and Accessibility Policies in Editorial Work

What Has Been Done

Hromadske Radio has adopted a Policy on Accessibility, Equality and the Rights of People with Disabilities.

The document sets out principles of non-discrimination, inclusive coverage of disability-related issues, and accessibility of media content. The Policy provides recommendations on respectful and appropriate language, the representation of people with disabilities, digital and information accessibility, moderation, as well as creating inclusive working conditions and editorial processes.

It also includes specific tools such as alternative text for images, subtitles, transcripts, accessible meeting formats, reasonable workplace accommodations, and regular monitoring of the representation of people with disabilities in media content. The editorial approach is based on human rights principles and applies to all content formats, in line with UNESCO recommendations set out in the Practical Manual on Disability Equality in the Media.

At the same time, the editorial team is finalizing an Editorial Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence, which will include provisions aimed at preventing technology-facilitated gender-based violence against women.

How It Was Implemented

The editorial team combines regulatory changes with practical steps. Among other things, they are implementing technical solutions to make the website of Hromadske Radio more accessible to people with disabilities.

Blind journalist Volodymyr Pyrih has been working on the newsfeed for over a year now. He writes news publications, selects illustrations, publishes materials, works with internal editorial software, audios, videos, and documents, and maintains communication with the other team members. His work demonstrates that inclusion is possible not by creating “special conditions” but by organizing work processes properly.

Impact 

The practice of engaging a journalist with a disability on equal terms reinforced the idea of equal opportunities in the media outlet, challenging stereotypes regarding professional limitations of people with disabilities.

Editorial policies and practices contribute to the formation of a more inclusive culture within the team, which also affects the quality and sensitivity of the content.

Challenges and Further Plans

Hromadske Radio strives to make content on all its platforms, including the website and social media pages, fully accessible to people with disabilities. This requires additional financial resources for developers, contemporary software, training, and payment for specialized services.

How Other Media Can Follow:

• Enshrine the principles of equality and inclusion in internal policies and codes.
• Combine regulatory documents with real changes in the organization of editorial workflow.
• View accessibility as an issue of processes rather than “special conditions.”
• Invest in the technical and organizational accessibility of the media content.