TV Access Project's commitment to using accessible production spaces
Ten broadcasters, including ITV, have signed an open letter stating their aim that by the 2025 edition of the Edinburgh TV Festival they will only be working with production spaces that have completed a TV Access Project (TAP) self-audit.
TAP was created with the aim of moving towards full inclusion for Disabled people working in TV by 2030. A key pillar of its work is ensuring that the spaces in which cast and crew work are fully accessible.
The open letter states that:
‘TAP worked with experts to create an audit checklist that studios, post-production facilities, and production companies can use to self-assess the key accessibility features that can represent a barrier to some Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent people.’Doing an audit does not necessarily mean changes have to be made to a space – it simply means the operators of the space will be able to be clear on access to disabled cast and crew.
The open letter continues: ‘Completing the audit will help you identify any necessary adjustments and improvements and plan a roadmap for your space to improve accessibility.
‘Over the next year, TAP will be providing free training sessions, in partnership with Proudlock Associates, to support spaces to utilise the Audit checklist. Completing the audit involves roughly half a day to assess your space for accessibility and is free of charge. ‘TAP members will be speaking about production spaces work at this year’s Edinburgh TV Festival and are keen to champion spaces that have completed the audit checklist.’
The open letter was signed by the following TAP members:
Charlotte Moore - Chief Content Officer, BBC Ian Katz - Chief Content Officer, Channel 4Kevin Lygo - Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, ITVLiam Keelan - SVP Original Productions, The Walt Disney Company EMEA Richard Watsham - Chief Creative Officer, UKTVRobert Schildhouse - President of BritBox North America GM, BritBox InternationalCécile Frot-Coutaz - CEO, Sky Studios & Chief Content Officer, SkyBen Frow - Chief Content Officer, UK, ParamountBobby Hain - Managing Director of Broadcast, STV Chris Bird - Managing Director for Prime Video UK
More information about TAP can be found here.