Major broadcasters and streaming services are taking a significant step towards inclusivity by announcing a boycott of production spaces that have not completed the TV Access Project (TAP) accessibility audit. This initiative will commence from August 2025, aligning with the Edinburgh TV Festival.
The TAP accessibility audit aims to ensure that production facilities are equipped to accommodate deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent individuals, thus promoting a more inclusive environment in the industry.
The Boycott Announcement
Nine prominent broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, and Sky, have declared their commitment to boycotting production facilities that fail to undergo the TAP accessibility audit by August 2025. The announcement was made through an open letter, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in the media industry.
The letter, signed by leaders from major broadcasters, outlines their dedication to championing spaces that have completed the audit. They aim to only collaborate with production facilities that have undergone a self-audit by the time of the Edinburgh TV Festival.
The TAP Accessibility Audit
The TAP Production Buildings Audit Checklist is designed to guide facilities in assessing their accessibility features. This checklist helps identify barriers that may affect deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent cast and crew.
Launched in December, the audit has already seen participation from major production facilities in cities like Manchester and Glasgow. These facilities have begun training sessions to better understand and implement the necessary accessibility measures.
Importance of the Audit
The audit process does not mandate changes but helps facilities understand their accessibility status. This clarity is crucial for accommodating disabled cast and crew.
Leaders from the broadcasters acknowledged the challenges of achieving full inclusion by 2030 but stressed the importance of planning and adjustment. The audit aids in identifying necessary improvements and creating a roadmap for better accessibility.
Support and Training
TAP is committed to providing further training over the next year. These training sessions, lasting roughly half a day, are available for free and aim to educate facilities on the importance and implementation of accessibility measures.
Studios are encouraged to join the TAP mailing list to participate in these training sessions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare the industry for a more inclusive future.
Founding and Goals
TAP was founded following Jack Thorne’s MacTaggart Lecture in 2021. The alliance consists of ten broadcasters and streamers dedicated to improving accessibility within the industry.
Their collective goal is to achieve full inclusion by 2030. The training sessions and the audit are steps towards creating an industry where all talent, regardless of ability, can work without barriers.
Statements from Broadcasters
In their open letter, the broadcasters expressed excitement about the project and the upcoming changes. They highlighted the importance of the audit in understanding and planning for better accessibility.
The leaders emphasized that the audit’s primary purpose is to provide a clear picture of a facility’s current accessibility status, which is a vital step towards making informed improvements.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the industry moves towards the 2025 deadline, the emphasis will be on transforming production spaces to be more inclusive and accessible.
This boycott serves as a reminder of the industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities in the media sector.
The decision to boycott non-accessibility-audited production spaces marks a significant move towards inclusivity in the media industry. By ensuring that facilities are accessible, broadcasters are setting a precedent for others to follow.
This initiative underlines the importance of accessibility, paving the way for a more inclusive environment where everyone can participate and thrive.