Channel 4 launches talent search for Rio 2016

Britain’s award winning Paralympic broadcasters aims to recruit 24 trainees with the potential to work on the next Paralympic Games 28 Jan 2015

ⒸChannel 4

By IPC

Channel 4, Great Britain’s multi-award winning Paralympic broadcaster, has launched a unique initiative offering 24 places on a Rio 2016 Production Training Scheme to applicants with an impairment.

At London 2012, half of Channel 4’s on-screen team had an impairment, including three anchor presenters and many reporters. Talent included Alex Brooker, Rachael Latham, Daraine Mulvihill, Ade Adepitan, Giles Long and Arthur Williams.

The broadcaster’s coverage broke multiple records and won many domestic and international awards including a TV BAFTA for best sport and live event.

For Rio 2016, the broadcaster is aiming to recruit people behind the camera and is offering 24 Rio Production Training Scheme places to applicants with a disability. By doing so Channel 4 aims to promote diversity in the media industry and address the under-representation of people with a disability in particular.

A video regarding the Training Scheme can be found here.

Channel 4’s aim is to train up production staff with a disability to the level required to work on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and beyond to build a career in sport production.

The scheme offers an opportunity for entry level and junior talents to join the industry and learn the skills necessary in three possible roles:

• Junior Research/Assistant Producer (broadcast or digital)

• Junior Production Secretary/Co-ordinator

• Technical/Production assistant

Working a 12-month contract in the sports/sports news production sector, trainees will receive a well-rounded and structured industry experience. Monthly training facilitated and held at Channel 4 will provide trainees with important knowledge and skills needed to become successful in the industry.

In 2016 towards the end of the 12 month placement, trainees will be interviewed for a place on the Sunset+Vine production team for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games which take place between 7-18 September 2016.

The deadline for applications is 23 February 2015 and further information can be found here.