S.L. 350.17 Art. 3

Broadcasters’ Responsibilities

3.1 It is the responsibility of all Broadcasters to be sensitive to problems outlined above and to avoid them.

3.2 Moreover broadcasters should take positive steps in order to ensure a more inclusive representation of disabled persons in programming. 3.3 Broadcasters should aim to recruit disabled persons to work among their staff and in particular the portrayal of disabled persons in drama should wherever possible be carried out by disabled actors.

3.4 Broadcasters are in duty bound to minimise common problems such as those of physical access which impede the participation of disabled persons in broadcasting activity. 3.5 Broadcasters should be guided by such policy which may from time to time be officially adopted regarding the portrayal of disabled persons in the media. 3.6 Each station shall be responsible for the way disabled persons and disability issues are portrayed in every broadcast, including the responsibility to refer to the competent organisations and authorities on matters relating to disability. 3.7 Where a licence is issued the broadcaster will be expected to portray disabled persons and disability issues in a proper way. 3.8 Overall, the guiding principle of broadcasters should be to deal with disabled persons without dwelling on their disability, unless the topic being presented is specifically that of disability; when the latter is the case to treat the subject with due dignity and fairness.