Climate change inequality and barriers to accessible news reporting for deaf viewers on 24 Oras in the Philippines
摘要
Climate change communication must be accessible to all, including deaf audiences in the Philippines, particularly in a country frequently affected by extreme weather events. Despite the inclusion of Filipino sign language (FSL) interpreter insets in mainstream broadcasts such as 24 Oras, deaf viewers continue to experience barriers in understanding climate-related reports. These barriers include limited interpreter visibility due to small inset size, the absence of standardized FSL climate terminology, and limited preparation time for interpreters handling technical climate content. Using a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach, this study examined the lived experiences of eighteen participants, composed of six deaf individuals, six sign language interpreters, and six broadcast practitioners involved in climate reporting. Findings revealed three themes: (1) increasing the size of the sign language inset to improve visual recognition and comprehension; (2) validating sign language with deaf and climate experts for accurate televised climate content; and (3) strengthening sign language interpretation accuracy through early script access, glossaries, clear guidelines, and expert collaboration. These findings highlight that accessibility is not merely a technical feature but an equity issue that shapes how deaf viewers experience risk communication and climate awareness. The study underscores the need for inclusive broadcast practices that enable deaf audiences’ full engagement with life-saving climate information.