What WCAG is, why people talk about it and why it’s important.
Reaching a broad audience isn't just a goal—it's a mandate. But let’s be real: if your content isn't accessible, you’re essentially shutting the door on millions of potential users. And trust us, they notice when the door is closed.
Accessibility is Not Just a Buzzword, It's the Law
Sure, it’s easy to brush off accessibility as just another item on the to-do list. But here’s the thing: it's not optional anymore. With laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) tightening their grip, it's becoming increasingly difficult to put accessibility as a second thought. Non-compliance isn't just a bad look—it could lead to lawsuits, fines, and a PR nightmare (and no, not like Netflix’s and the Babadook metadata nightmare, that was fun).
Photo by Dušan Cvetanović
WCAG: What is it and why you need to take it into account
According to the Web Accessibility initiative , the WCAG documents explain how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. Basically, to ensure your website is accessible, you need to adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These aren’t just rules, they’re the blueprint for creating content that everyone can enjoy. Although it's not a legal requirement, the WCAG serves as a great compliance tool to various accessibility laws.
It’s 28 pages if you try to print it (don’t, save the paper). Let's break it down to the most basic level:
Perceivable: Make sure everyone can see, hear, or otherwise perceive your content. It’s 2024—time to embrace alt text, captions, and transcripts. Don’t be a blast from the past.
Operable: Obviously, if someone can’t navigate your site with a keyboard or assistive technology, you’re missing the mark. It’s not even just the content itself, but even actually the platform you display it on.
Understandable: Keep it simple, clear, and to the point. Your content should be as easy to understand. Sure storytelling is important but we don’t need to write in metaphors.
Robust: Future-proof your content. Whether it’s a screen reader, voice control, or the next big thing in assistive tech, your site needs to run with it. Because if it’s not compatible, it’s not accessible.
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Why as a broadcaster and or streaming platform you should care (apart from the obvious)
Broad Audience Reach: If you’re in the business of communication and distributing your content, then you’re in the business of reaching everyone. WCAG compliance makes your content accessible to all, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. That’s a wider net for you to cast, and catch.
Legal Obligations: We mentioned the law, right? Compliance is non-negotiable if you want to avoid those nasty fines and lawsuits. Yeah, that’s a point on its own.
Brand Reputation: An accessible website isn’t just functional; it’s a statement. It shows you care about inclusivity, which, in turn, builds trust, loyalty, and a brand people want to engage with.
Competitive Advantage: Keeping up and staying relevant is everything in the media industry. An accessible platform is a key differentiator, offering clients and users a smoother, more inclusive experience.
Just being a decent human being and allowing your content, communication and all your brand to be accessible.
Does your marketing team need convincing?
SEO Benefits: Fun fact—accessibility boosts your SEO game. WCAG compliance often leads to cleaner, more structured content, which search engines love. More visibility means more traffic. You’re welcome, marketing.
Improved User Experience: When you make your site accessible, you’re also improving it for everyone, not only those with special abilities. A better user experience leads to increased engagement, and who doesn’t want that?
Increased Market Reach: More accessibility equals a broader audience. More audience equals more opportunities. It’s simple math, really.
The Bottom Line
At Clipsource, we get it. That’s why our Media Center is designed to tick all those WCAG boxes. We make sure your content reaches everyone it’s supposed to, no exceptions.
Accessibility isn’t just a box to tick. It’s a commitment to inclusivity, a legal requirement, and a solid move towards the future of inclusivity in content and the distribution of it.
Curious? Discover more at www.clipsource.com. Your audience—and your legal team—will thank you.
