The government has prepared new rules for television and online media: what will change
8 November 04:22
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a draft law that will oblige television and online media to provide full access to information for people with disabilities. This was reported by Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, noting that the initiative provides for new broadcasting standards and additional powers for the National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting, which will monitor the implementation of the requirements, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The document was approved at a meeting on November 7.
“The bill sets requirements for television and online media so that people with disabilities have full access to information. That is, subtitles, sign language translation, and audio description should be provided,” Svyrydenko explained.
What will change for the media
The new draft law obliges TV channels, video services and other media to adapt their content for people with hearing or visual impairments.
In particular, it is about
- adding subtitles for people with hearing impairments;
- sign language interpretation during broadcasts and broadcasts;
- audio description (audio commentary) – an audio description of events for viewers with visual impairments.
According to the government’s representative in the Verkhovna Rada, Taras Melnychuk, the purpose of the law is to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their health status, can equally receive information, express opinions, and use the media.
How the law will be implemented
Full accessibility of content is to be ensured gradually, within ten years of the law’s adoption.
Some methods, such as simplified language or “easy read” format, will be voluntary for media outlets.
Control and responsibility
The National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting will be given new controlling powers. It will be able to check whether the media comply with accessibility requirements and respond to violations.
Ukraine is gradually adapting its legislation to European standards of inclusiveness. Ensuring equal access to media information for people with disabilities is one of the conditions for implementing the European Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
