Norway is making headlines with the launch of the world’s first TV station run entirely by people with learning disabilities, known as TV BRA, which translates to "TV Good." This remarkable initiative is paving the way for greater inclusivity and representation within the media industry, showcasing the talents and voices of those often overlooked.
All reporters at TV BRA are either autistic or have learning disabilities. They host weekly programs covering diverse topics, ranging from news to entertainment and sports. Broadcasted on the station's app and website, as well as on TV2 Play, one of Norway's major streaming platforms, the show caters to its audience by presenting the news at a slower pace and using simplified Norwegian for clarity.
Currently, TV BRA boasts a weekly viewership of approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people, demonstrating the demand for content made by and for individuals with disabilities. The station employs ten reporters as local news correspondents across various parts of the country, indicating its wide-reaching impact.
Emily Ann Riedel, one of the reporters working at TV BRA, emphasizes the professionalism required for the job, stating, "I have to follow the script and not talk about personal stuff – because here it is about the news." Riedel, who has Down's Syndrome, is just one of many making meaningful contributions to the program.
Camilla Kvalheim, the managing editor at the station, reflects on the job’s challenges, mentioning, "Sometimes it can be difficult to say what’s in the cue cards, so we have to do it again and again." Despite these challenges, she believes strongly in her team's potential, providing on-the-job training since they do not have formal journalism education. Kvalheim, who formerly worked as a teacher for individuals with learning disabilities, now channels her passion for filmmaking, recounting how the dynamics changed once they started working with the camera. She noted, "Suddenly, when we were working on those films, we were a crew, we were a team. It wasn’t me over them – we were equal."
Financing for TV BRA largely stems from state funds and revenue generated from their weekly show on TV2. Kvalheim acknowledges the financial limitations, saying the reporters earn less than their counterparts at other networks, but this does not detract from the importance of their work.
One significant aspect of TV BRA is its mission to address the broader societal issues faced by individuals with learning disabilities. Acknowledging the challenges these individuals often encounter, including low employment rates and access to housing, the station not only informs but also empowers its viewers. Reporter Svein Andre Hofsø states, "TV BRA is very important because we are talking about people with disabilities, and what are our rights in real life."
While similar initiatives exist in Denmark and Iceland, those stations do not feature presenters who themselves have learning disabilities. Anne-Britt Ekerhovd, one of the station's fans with her own learning disability, expresses her appreciation, saying, "I think this TV station is really important for our community. They explain things really well. Other news channels explain it too hard for us to understand. TV BRA is much easier to understand." This emphasis on relatability and comprehensibility highlights the unique role TV BRA plays.
Looking forward, TV BRA aims to grow its reach and continue advocating for individuals with disabilities within both the media and society. The vision for its future includes more content, broader outreach, and continued empowerment of its staff and viewers alike. With advocates like Kvalheim at the helm, TV BRA symbolizes hope and progress, leading the way for similar initiatives around the world.
This initiative serves as both inspiration and example, showing how media can be democratized and made accessible, allowing voices often marginalized to resonate loudly within public discourse. The existence of TV BRA is not just about news; it's about establishing identity, community, and dignity for those with disabilities.
