From media accessibility policies to its providers: a case study on state-owned television in Portugal

This study uses a multi-method approach to examine Media Accessibility services in Portugal, including legislation review, a questionnaire and in-depth interviews with professionals from the state-owned free-to-air channel. Four main findings emerged. First, although the minimum legal requirements for MA are generally met, provisions remain inconsistent across genres and modes, limiting access despite occasional signs of readiness for higher standards. Second, the lack of institutionalised feedback channels and dissemination strategies constrains professionals’ understanding of users’ needs and reduces the visibility of accessible content. Third, MA professionals face limited recognition, rely on informal collaboration in the absence of dynamic guidelines, and are hindered by technological shortcomings, all of which reinforce broader issues of professionalisation. Fourth, the data suggest a complex interplay between internal and external perceptions of MA professionals’ roles and the broader societal understanding of MA services. To address these issues, we propose recommendations targeting communication, training, and collaboration.