With the 2016 Olympics about to get underway in Rio, Channel 4 has unveiled its largest ever team of disabled presenters. Two thirds of the team working on the Paralympics’ coverage are disabled, including the four daytime presenters.
26 members of staff that are working behind the scenes to produce coverage are also wheelchair users. The presenting team will be led by Clare Balding and Adam Hills.
The Rio games, which take place in September, will be the biggest ever overseas broadcast in Channel 4 and Paralympic history with over 700 hours of live coverage.
Ed Havard, Channel 4’s Head of TV Events and Sport, said: “We’ll be setting a record by bringing together the largest team of disabled on-screen and off-screen talent ever seen on UK television.
“We’re not only delivering the most comprehensive and innovative coverage of the Games ever, but also bringing entertainment to the heart of the coverage by broadcasting the show live from the Olympic Park.”
Disabled Trainee Scheme
As part of their support for the 2016 Year of Disability, Channel 4 has launched a trainee scheme which will see 20 disabled people working on content in Rio. The launch includes major new commitments to increase representation of disabled people within the broadcasting industry.
Lisa Quinlan-Rahman, director of external affairs at the disability charity Scope, said the scheme will enhance employment opportunities for wheelchair users. But she added: “Four years on from the 2012 Games, 62% of disabled people still say they are treated differently because of their impairment.
“The Rio Paralympics this summer will mean there are more disabled people than ever on our screens. Hopefully it will get people talking about disability and challenge assumptions about what disabled people can achieve.”
