Accessibility Statement – World News Studio
1. Introduction
World News Studio is committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, have equal access to our news platform. Accessibility is not just a legal requirement; it is a core value that reflects our mission of global inclusivity, fairness, and information equity.
This Accessibility Statement outlines:
- The standards we adhere to
- Steps taken to ensure accessible experiences
- Rights of users under international law
- Reporting mechanisms for accessibility issues
- Our roadmap for continuous improvement
All accessibility obligations are undertaken by Badana Communications and Business Pvt. Ltd., registered under the Companies Act 2013, headquartered in Srinagar, Kashmir, India.
2. Global Accessibility Standards
World News Studio aligns with internationally recognized accessibility standards:
- WCAG 2.1 AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) – Recommended by W3C and adopted globally.
- Section 508 (USA) – Federal law requiring accessible technology and content.
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) – Ensures equal access to services and public digital spaces.
- EU Web Accessibility Directive & Accessibility Act – Mandating digital accessibility across Europe.
- Equality Act 2010 (UK) – Prohibiting discrimination based on disability in digital services.
- RPwD Act 2016 (India) – Mandating accessibility in public and private digital infrastructure.
3. Accessibility Features on World News Studio
a. Visual Accessibility
- High-contrast text modes.
- Adjustable font sizes.
- Screen reader compatibility (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack).
- Alternative text (alt-text) for all images.
- Keyboard navigation support.
b. Hearing Accessibility
- Closed captions on videos.
- Transcripts for audio podcasts.
- Volume control customization.
c. Motor Accessibility
- Voice-command support on mobile app.
- Large tap targets on buttons and links.
- Keyboard-only navigation support.
d. Cognitive Accessibility
- Simplified content versions for easy reading.
- Clear headings and logical page structures.
- Avoidance of flashing/strobing elements.
4. Mobile App Accessibility
The World News Studio mobile app integrates accessibility features:
- Compatible with built-in device accessibility (iOS Accessibility, Android Accessibility Suite).
- Voice commands for navigation.
- Adjustable text scaling.
- Compatibility with assistive hardware like refreshable braille displays.
5. Legal Rights of Users
a. United States
- ADA Title III gives users the right to equal access.
- Section 508 mandates federal accessibility standards.
b. European Union
- EU Accessibility Act enforces digital accessibility across public and private sectors.
c. United Kingdom
- Equality Act 2010 protects users from digital discrimination.
d. India
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 requires accessible ICT services.
e. Global Human Rights Law
- UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) obligates global states to ensure accessibility in communication technologies.
6. Compliance Audits
World News Studio conducts:
- Quarterly accessibility audits by internal teams.
- Annual independent third-party audits.
- User testing with assistive technologies to ensure practical usability.
7. Feedback & Complaint Mechanism
We encourage users to report accessibility issues:
📧 Accessibility Team: accessibility@worldnewsstudio.com
📧 Complaints: complaints@worldnewsstudio.com
📞 Phone: +91-9419061646
Complaints are:
- Acknowledged within 48 hours.
- Investigated within 7 business days.
- Resolved within 30 days, unless complexity requires longer.
If unresolved, disputes fall under the jurisdiction of Srinagar, Kashmir, India courts.
8. Continuous Improvement Roadmap
- Phase 1: WCAG 2.1 AA compliance (achieved).
- Phase 2: Moving toward WCAG 2.2 AAA compliance.
- Phase 3: Integration of AI-driven accessibility tools.
- Phase 4: Expanding multilingual accessibility (text-to-speech, translation).
9. Third-Party Content
While World News Studio strives to ensure all content is accessible, some third-party content (advertisements, embedded feeds, sponsored videos) may not fully meet accessibility standards. We actively work with partners to improve this.
10. Accessibility Training
- Editorial staff trained in writing alt-text, clear content, and accessible formatting.
- Technical teams trained in accessible design and coding.
- Partnership teams trained in accessibility compliance for advertisers and collaborators.
11. Accessibility in Journalism
Accessibility is not only technical—it is editorial. We commit to:
- Using plain language for wider comprehension.
- Providing multilingual news content.
- Ensuring inclusivity in reporting (representing voices of persons with disabilities).
12. Accessibility in Advertising
- Advertisements must meet minimum accessibility standards.
- No ads with flashing, harmful, or disruptive content.
- Sponsors are encouraged to adopt accessible ad designs.
13. Accessibility Governance
- Accessibility Compliance Officer – Akhtar Badana oversees global accessibility compliance.
- Annual Accessibility Report published for transparency.
- Community Advisory Board with disability rights advocates ensures accountability.
14. Jurisdiction & Legal Compliance
- Governed under Indian law (RPwD Act 2016, IT Act 2000, DPDP Act 2023).
- Globally compliant with ADA, EU Accessibility Act, Equality Act 2010.
- Legal disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Srinagar, Kashmir courts.
Accessibility is central to World News Studio’s mission of serving a global, inclusive audience. Our goal is not only to meet legal obligations but to exceed international standards, ensuring every user—whether reading, watching, or listening—can fully participate in the global news conversation.
We view accessibility as a human right and journalistic duty. Through continuous improvement, partnerships, and innovation, World News Studio strives to remain a leader in accessible global journalism.