Disability equality must be at heart of media systems
The Network of Independent Media Councils of Africa (NIMCA), in partnership with UNESCO, convened a two-day orientation webinar on 30 to 31 March 2026 to introduce its newly developed Deployment Guidelines on Disability Equality in the Media.
Opening the session, NIMCA Chairperson Phathiswa Magopeni emphasised the importance of translating commitments into action, noting that
‘these Guidelines represent a significant step forward in ensuring that African media systems are not only inclusive in principle, but practical in implementation’.
As regulators and media leaders, we have a responsibility to transform commitments into measurable change that reflects the diversity of our societies
The initiative aims to translate UNESCO’s global commitments on disability equality, freedom of expression and inclusive digital transformation into practical, locally adaptable steps for African media institutions, regulatory bodies, and media practitioners.
Promoting diversity in representation, content accessibility and inclusive management in African media is both a public interest and a market imperative. Inclusive content and leadership expand audience reach, engage underserved groups, and strengthen revenue and market performance.
When media regulators adopt coordinated strategies at the continental level, they create a framework that enables media organisations to implement equitable editorial policies and inclusive practices more efficiently, while also strengthening monitoring, knowledge sharing and accountability.
The session brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Sudan, Uganda, South Africa, France, Ghana, Malawi, Rwanda, Namibia and Algeria.
Participants included media councils, journalists, civil society actors, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and media organisations
The orientation strengthened participants’ understanding of the Guidelines and marked an important first step toward their implementation across media systems at the continental level.
Highlighting the role of regulators, Ernest Sungura, Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania, stated: ‘As regulators, our role is to set standards that not only protect ethical journalism but also ensure that no group is left behind.’
‘Disability inclusion must now be treated as a core regulatory priority rather than a peripheral issue.’
The Guidelines respond to persistent structural gaps in representation, accessibility and inclusive employment identified through consultations with both media and disability stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of OPDs, Petra Dillmann of the Autism Association of Namibia underscored the importance of inclusion.
‘For us as OPDs, this process is critical because it ensures that persons with disabilities are not only subjects of stories, but active participants in shaping how media systems become more inclusive and accessible.’
Participants emphasised that media regulators and organisations have the capacity to drive systemic change. The strategy is anchored on three core pillars:
- equitable editorial policies to enhance inclusive representation
- improved accessibility of media content, and
- inclusive management practices within media institutions
These pillars are aligned with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and UNESCO’s Practical Manual and Master Class on Disability Equality in the Media.
Discussions also highlighted the growing importance of accessibility in digital information, media content and services. Participants noted increasing efforts by media and technology platforms to integrate accessibility features, while calling for stronger collaboration with OPDs, including the development of professional networks such as sign language interpreters.
Sharing practical newsroom realities, Brandina Lambwe, a reporter from Zambia, noted: ‘As journalists, we have been mandated to carry stories of people living with disabilities, although their stories have not been frequently covered.’
Similarly, Ali Sultan, a media consultant from Zanzibar, emphasised the need for practical support.
As journalists, we are increasingly aware that inclusive storytelling is not optional – it is essential. However, we need practical tools, training and institutional support to consistently report on disability issues in a way that is accurate, respectful and impactful
The session also provided a platform for sharing practical experiences, including disability-focused media programmes and initiatives aimed at adopting inclusive workplace policies, supporting career development and ensuring reasonable accommodation for media professionals with disabilities.
For example, participants highlighted initiatives where media houses have introduced sign language interpretation in news broadcasts and adapted newsroom workflows to support journalists with visual impairments through assistive technologies such as screen readers and accessible editing tools.
By safeguarding pluralism, enforcing ethical standards and upholding the democratic function of the media, regulators and self-regulatory bodies play a critical role in ensuring that media systems are equitable, resilient and sustainable for all audiences.
The orientation marks an important step towards strengthening inclusive, accessible, and rights-based media systems across Africa.
The next phase will focus on national-level capacity building, pilot implementation of the Guidelines, and continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure their effective adoption across the continent.
