Channel 4 has launched a network for off-screen alumni of it Paralympic Games programming, in a bid to nurture and sustain the careers of disabled TV professionals.
The OnTrack initiative will offer access to bursaries, masterclasses and events as part of a package of regular, practical support, career progression and professional development for senior deaf, disabled and neurodivergent off-screen talent.
It aims to create a community of peers and will support participants in creating a personal development plan.
The scheme is open to anyone with a credit on the Paralympic Games since C4 took on production of the event in 2012, as well as participants in 4Skills’ Paralympic Production Training Scheme.
OnTrack was prompted by Whisper’s production of this month’s Winter Paralympic Games, where at least 25% of off-screen talent identified as disabled.
It joins C4’s established deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent schemes RISE and 4Connect which, along with the broadcaster’s support of the TV Access Project (TAP), represent its commitment to disability inclusion.
C4’s Commissioning Diversity Guidelines stipulate that at least 10% of every production team should identify as disabled.
It also requires senior-level editorial input from disabled creatives on all core disability programming, including its Paralympics coverage.
Disabled off-screen talent on C4 programmes reached 9.7% in 2023/2024, up from 6.8% the previous year.
C4 chief content officer Ian Katz said OnTrack is an important moment in C4’s “unwavering commitment to driving long-term, sustainable change for disabled off-screen talent”.
He added: “Although there is still more to do to reach TAP’s goal of full inclusion by 2030, the work C4 has done so far is evident in Diamond data, showing a rise in disabled creatives working on our productions. This is real progress.”
Applications are open, in writing or in an audio or video format, until 4 May. For more information, and to apply, click here
