Based in the UK, the National Union of Journalists is spearheading a campaign targeting sports organisations, venues and broadcasters. The aim is to create opportunities for disabled journalists to report on international events and highlight the lack of accessibility and inclusion in everyday life.
“During the Paralympics, we see a dramatic shift from narratives portraying disabled people as burdens or work-shy scroungers to ones of superheroes worthy of praise. Paralympians’ achievements are remarkable and deserve recognition, especially given the systemic ableism created by inaccessible transport, housing, education, employment and limited sporting opportunities,” NUJ president Natasha Hirst stated on Friday.
Paralympics media coverage often features uplifting stories about high achievers, but the reality is that many hurdles persist for disabled athletes, spectators and ordinary citizens in overcoming daily challenges, be they physical or mental. This applies to both sides: despite improved access through remote accreditation during the pandemic, disabled journalists have faced growing difficulties in securing access to cover recent global sporting events.
“With each Paralympics, we hope the positive focus on disabled people will continue, but it quickly reverts to discourse that undermines our rights and independence. Journalists can make a difference by examining the impact of policies on disabled people and exposing the injustices we face in our lives,” Hirst emphasised.
Regarding Paris 2024 accessibility, the NUJ Disabled Members’ Council maintains pressure, advocating for lasting improvements to access for disabled people worldwide. Despite event organisers’ best intentions, glaring negative examples persist: the union highlighted that, just days ago, retired Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson had to crawl off a train due to lack of assistance for disembarking.
The NUJ’s campaign for #InclusivePressAccess also urges journalists to avoid clichéd reporting that draws on a tragedy-to-triumph narrative and instead challenge the access barriers that obstruct disabled people from participating in sports.
Poor access to press areas at many sports venues prevents disabled journalists from interviewing athletes or attending press conferences. The Paralympics provides an opportunity to demonstrate that access for disabled people, athletes and audiences can and should be at the heart of planning these events.
Lack of accessible and affordable options for travel, accommodation and the costs involved with bringing support excludes disabled sports journalists. Given that disabled journalists are more likely to be freelance, these additional costs can make it impossible to work.
“It is clear that access can be provided for disabled sports journalists to do their job and there are no excuses for exclusion. Diverse representation is necessary across all areas of journalism. Improvements to access should join efforts to eliminate harassment and discrimination. Sports bodies should put pressure on venues to increase access to the built environment for journalists and advocate for remote accreditation options,” the NUJ Disabled Members’ Council stressed.
“Many disabled sports journalists are or have been accomplished athletes who know their sport extremely well. They have the expertise to report on disabled and non-disabled sports but experience unnecessary barriers to doing their job. Audiences and athletes are missing out on the excellent journalism that they deserve,” the statement concluded.
