Newfoundland Broadcasting Company
Accessibility Plan – Progress Report 2026
General
The Newfoundland Broadcasting Company is open to receiving feedback from employees and the public on the implementation of our Accessibility Plan. Alternative formats of this report are available upon request, including print, large print, braille, audio, electronic format, or other agreed-upon formats.
Our Accessibility Plan and feedback mechanism were published on May 31, 2024.
Contact
Attn: Lindsey Andrews, General Manager
446 Logy Bay Rd, St. John’s, NL A1A 5C6
(709) 722-5015
www.ntv.ca
accessibility@ntv.ca
Consultations
Newfoundland Broadcasting Company remains committed to engaging knowledgeable partners to inform and advance our accessibility initiatives. We have maintained active partnerships with two key organizations: Higher Talent, a human resources consulting firm based in Newfoundland and Labrador, and InclusionNL, a provincial leader in accessibility, inclusive employment, and disability confidence.
These consultations have been instrumental in guiding the development and implementation of ourAccessibility Plan. Both partners have provided tailored insights, practical recommendations, and ongoing support in the following areas:
Policy Review and Staff Training
InclusionNL conducted an accessibility assessment of our physical workspace, identifying barriers and offering suggestions to improve access and inclusivity in our buildings. Based on their input, we implemented several modifications, such as upgraded entrances, accessible washrooms, and automatic doors. A follow-up environmental scan was conducted in the summer of 2025, and we will conduct another scan in the summer of 2026 to assess the impact of these changes and identify further opportunities for improvement.
Policy Review and Staff Training
InclusionNL conducted an accessibility assessment of our physical workspace, identifying barriers and offering suggestions to improve access and inclusivity in our buildings. Based on their input, we implemented several modifications, such as upgraded entrances, accessible washrooms, and automatic doors. A follow-up environmental scan was conducted in the summer of 2025, and we will conduct another scan in the summer of 2026 to assess the impact of these changes and identify further opportunities for improvement.
Digital Accessibility
Both InclusionNL and Higher Talent have provided input on our digital platforms, including the website and mobile app. Their insights were incorporated into our accessibility audits, which informed a broader strategy to redesign and future-proof our platforms in compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA.
Employment and Culture
Through our engagement with Higher Talent, we continue to enhance our internal practices related toaccessible hiring, onboarding, and workplace accommodations. This partnership also supports leadership development in fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
We view these collaborations as essential to our progress. Their expertise has not only helped us meet compliance standards but has also shaped a long-term vision for inclusion and accessibility within our organization.
Feedback
The Newfoundland Broadcasting Company (NTV and OZFM) is committed to ensuring effective feedback mechanisms and promoting accessibility. In 2024, we established a comprehensive procedure for receiving and addressing feedback concerning the implementation of our accessibility plan, regardless of whether it is submitted anonymously or with contact information.
Our approach includes the following:
1.To promptly acknowledge receipt of feedback when individuals provide their name or contactinformation.
2. To welcome feedback through various communication platforms utilized to engage with the public,such as online forms, email, and phone.
3. Adhere to the latest iteration of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA to ensure our digital presence is accessible to all.
4. Offer the option to access the feedback process in alternative formats upon request, accommodating diverse needs and preferences.
NTV can be contacted by any of the methods listed. Examples of feedback may include accessibility topics such as closed captioning, building wheelchair access, screen reader, and more. The designated person responsible for receiving accessibility feedback is NTV’s General Manager, Lindsey Andrews.
Mail: 446 Logy Bay Road, St. John’s, NL A1A 5C6
Email: accessibility@ntv.ca
Phone: 709-722-5015 (9–5pm Monday–Friday)
While we have not received any feedback on our accessibility plan in the past 12 months, we will continue to monitor and respond going forward.
Employment
We continue to build an inclusive, supportive work culture where accessibility and equity are prioritized.
Progress Updates:
- Onboarding & Training: Accessibility training is now embedded into our onboarding process. It will
- be delivered for all new hires.
- Accommodation Awareness: Employees and applicants were reminded about the accommodation
- process through company-wide communications.
- Leadership Engagement: Over the past year, our leadership team has been deeply engaged in
- driving inclusion and accessibility. Senior managers have been instrumental in supporting and
- promoting accommodation and inclusive practices.
- InclusionNL Collaboration: We continue our partnership with InclusionNL. Their team has reviewed our policies, provided feedback on our work environment, and will return on an as-needed basis for new hires.
- Deliver training for new staff;
- Conduct a follow-up environmental scan of our buildings;
- Review recent changes made to improve accessibility; and
- Offer further consultation on embedding accessibility into employment practices.
The Built Environment
We are committed to ensuring our physical spaces are inclusive and barrier-free.
Progress:
- Facility Improvements – Two of our buildings have had significant improvements made to meet
- accessibility standards, including washrooms, entrances, doors, and workspaces.
- Workforce Relocation – Employees have been moved from inaccessible areas to renovated spaces. Former areas have been repurposed for storage.
- Main Building Upgrades – Renovation plans will be developed and reviewed in 2026 and 2027 to improve entrances and add an accessible washroom in the newsroom area.
- Long-Term Planning – We continue to assess feasibility and obtain quotes for installing an elevator and additional upgrades in our main building. A decision is expected following cost analysis in mid-2027.
- Accessibility Features – Push bars and automatic door openers have been installed in most all
- applicable buildings.
Information & Communication Technologies (ICT)
We aim to exceed digital accessibility standards through proactive review and upgrades.
Progress Updates
- Website (ntv.ca) – Our new website was implemented in 2026 with the latest and best set-up and technology to be accessibility compliant.
- App (NTV+) – Our new App was implemented in 2026 with the latest and best setup and technology to be accessibility compliant.
- Vendor Collaboration – We are working closely with vendors and partners to ensure accessible design in all digital products and services.
Communication (Other Than ICT)
We are committed to inclusive communication practices across all platforms and formats.
Progress Updates:
- Accommodation Requests – A streamlined process is now in place for requesting accommodation prior to meetings and training sessions.
- Best Practices Manual – Work continues on the creation of an inclusive communication guide, with completion expected by the end of 2027. The guide will cover:
- Use of plain language;
- Accessible formatting;
- Guidelines for including alt-text and descriptive content for images; and
- Consistent accessibility across internal and external communications.
Procurement of Goods, Services & Facilities
We are improving our procurement practices to prioritize accessibility and inclusive supplier relationships.
Progress Updates
Work is ongoing to develop a comprehensive accessibility-focused procurement policy. This policy will:
- Ensure accessibility criteria are included in RFPs and vendor evaluations;
- Incorporate accessibility clauses into contracts;
- Promote the use of accessible goods, services, and technologies;
- Engage suppliers from our diversity and inclusion program; and
- Establish an internal checklist for buyers to assess accessibility considerations during procurement.
The procurement policy is scheduled for completion by early 2027.
Design & Delivery of Programs & Services
We aim to deliver programming that is inclusive and accessible to all Canadians.
Progress:
- Closed Captioning – We continue to meet CRTC requirements and standards for Closed Captioning (98% accuracy for live content). 100% of the English language programs broadcast on NTV over the broadcast day are Closed Captioned. Reports are submitted annually to the CRTC.
- Website Content – Closed Captioning availability has been expanded across video content on
- our website.
- Described Video – We continue to provide described video programming in accordance with CRTC requirements, and continue to improve access to content for viewers who are blind or have low vision by providing audio descriptions of key visual elements within programming. All programming between 7 PM and 11 PM and any additional programs obtained from third party content producers have Described Video.
Next Steps:
- Continue partnership with InclusionNL.
- Launch new accessible website.
- Finalize procurement policy.
- Complete inclusive communication guide.
- Begin newsroom renovations before end of 2025.
Conclusion
The Newfoundland Broadcasting Company has made meaningful progress in creating a more
accessible and inclusive workplace and media environment. Through collaboration, proactive
planning, and continued engagement, we are moving steadily toward meeting and exceeding the
goals outlined in our Accessibility Plan.