News Media Guidelines
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The Disability Royal Commission recognises that the media has an important role to play in reporting on its work. The Media team will manage all interactions with the media.
Details: As part of its inquiry, the Royal Commission will be conducting a number of public events and hearings. Dates and locations of public events and hearings and witness lists will be published in advance on the Royal Commission's website.
Media access sign-in: All media attending public hearings are asked to make contact with the Royal Commission Media team to ensure they have access to information relevant to the hearing.
Media facilities: Efforts will be made to set up a media room at key events, which will usually include a live broadcast of proceedings and access to live transcripts.. Media should check with the Royal Commission Media team about logistics in advance of hearings.
Live streaming: Live streaming of public hearings will be made available through a webcast on the Disability Royal Commission website. The livestream will include live captioning and Auslan-English interpreters.
Live transcripts: Journalists can access live transcripts at hearings. Please contact the Royal Commission Media team in advance to arrange access.
Interviews: Interviews with Commissioners and Counsel Assisting are not permitted. Interviews with witnesses and members of the public will not be facilitated by the Royal Commission.
Recording and filming at Royal Commission hearings: The Royal Commission does not permit filming, audio recording or still photography in any hearing room (unless arranged by the Media team)
Non-publication directions (NPD): The Royal Commission has powers to direct that evidence not be published. A non-publication direction order may be made, varied and/or lifted during a public hearing. It is the responsibility of the media to comply with any non-publication orders.
Transcripts: Transcripts of the Commission's public hearings will be made available on the Royal Commission's website following the hearings. The transcript will reflect any relevant non-publication orders.
Recording and filming at Royal Commission community forums: The Royal Commission will provide details about whether filming will be permitted at community forums. Please liaise with the Media team in advance. On most occasions, media will be welcome to attend. Only opening remarks can be filmed. There is to be no other audio or video recording, no photography and no questions during the forum. We request that media observe these requirements so that members of the public can speak freely during the forum. Media are free to approach speakers outside the forum to ask if they wish to be interviewed.
Photography: The Disability Royal Commission will usually arrange a professional photographer for major events and forums. Images can be shared on request as soon as they're available.
Accessibility: The Royal Commission will be implementing measures to ensure accessibility. We encourage media to do the same and include captions, image descriptions, alt-text, Easy English, and audio descriptions as part of their coverage.
Support: Disturbing and distressing content will emerge during the Disability Royal Commission. We encourage media to include details about support services in their coverage.
Recommended resources:
People With Disability Australia's Language Guide