New research reveals Channel 4’s Paralympic coverage shifted public perceptions and challenged prejudice around disability

• New data shows 94% of viewers felt the Paralympics helped positively shift perceptions of disabled people
• 76% said the Paralympics gave them a new perspective on the challenges faced by disabled people
• Nearly half voiced that the Games challenged their own prejudices 
• While 77% think there should be more coverage of parasports on television

Channel 4’s coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games has had a profound impact on viewers perception of disability, according to new research published today, which surveyed more than 400 viewers.

The data suggests that nearly everyone (96%) who watched the Games – which reached some 20 million people across the UK in August and September – agreed the coverage had positively shift perceptions of disabled people. 

Three quarters (76%) of viewers said the Paralympics gave them a new perspective on the challenges disabled people face. Almost half – 46% – felt that the Games challenged their own prejudices and 94% agreed that the Paralympics was an important event for improving society’s perceptions of disabled people. While 86% agreed that having disabled presenters on-screen helps people understand disability more.

The coverage of the Paralympics on Channel 4, sponsored by Toyota and Allianz, also sparked meaningful conversations about disability, with 17% of viewers engaging in discussions with others about disability, particularly around the performances of athletes. The coverage not only showcased the talent of elite para-athletes but also emphasized the importance of inclusion, with 77% of viewers stating there should be more coverage of parasports on television.

Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon said: “Channel 4 is redefining Paralympic sport for future generations, pushing the boundaries of accessibility and representation, and ensuring that disability and parasport are seen, heard, and celebrated. It is great to see – through this research – how Channel 4 is changing public perceptions of disability, challenging prejudices and starting conversations that are sometimes difficult but always important.” 

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, said, “Channel 4 has consistently led the way with its broadcast coverage of the Paralympics, and this year they have delivered the most accessible Games yet.”

Through its extensive live coverage of Paris 2024 and powerful ‘Considering What?’ marketing and PR campaigns, Channel 4 has positively changed public perceptions about disability, inspiring millions and building awareness of initiatives like ParalympicsGB’s Every Body Moves, campaign focused on connecting disabled people with inclusive activities in their local communities.

Since becoming the official UK broadcaster for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Channel 4 has consistently used its platform and reach to redefine disability sport, breaking down barriers and changing attitudes. 

The Paris 2024 Paralympics marked the culmination of over a decade of commitment to promoting the achievements of para-athletes as elite sportspeople and offering audiences an inclusive and accessible viewing experience with Channel 4’s coverage of the Paris games reaching 19.9 million people across the UK.

A key part of Channel 4’s coverage of the Paris 2024 Games was its partnership with the ParalympicsGB-run Every Body Moves site , powered by Toyota, which aims to break down barriers to sport for disabled people, connecting them with inclusive activities in their local communities. 

By spotlighting Every Body Moves alongside the Games, Channel 4 increased public awareness and supported the increase of new opportunities for disabled individuals to engage with sport and physical activities. On the day prior to the Opening Ceremony 641 people visited the site. Channel 4’s promotion of the site throughout the Paris Paralympics attracted more than 83,000 people to the site for the first time.

Channel 4’s on-screen promotion of Every Body Moves also led to a sharp increase in inclusive activities being posted to the site. In 2021 the site carried 5,000 listings for the Tokyo Paralympics, rising to 31,000 listings by the end of the Games and increasing to 44,000 listings by the end of September, delivering genuine opportunities for disabled people across the UK.

Ends

Notes to editors:

For the booklet please click here: Driving change: Channel 4 and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Channel 4’s Paralympics coverage & audiences

Channel 4 prioritised making sure that every moment of the Games was accessible and inclusive for all viewers. For the first time, live audio description and British Sign Language (BSL) signing was available during peak-time sports in addition to live subtitles across all content served up to viewers via 18 simultaneous streams, 1,300 hours of live sport, and extensive coverage on TV, streaming, YouTube, and social media platforms.

Channel 4’s commitment to representation saw 90% of talent being disabled, with Rose Ayling-Ellis, the first-ever live sports presenter with a hearing impairment, and Libby Clegg, the first registered-blind pundit. 

Channel 4’s multi-platform strategy, including a TikTok hub, brought the Paralympics to a new generation of fans, generating 65 million social views across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok while its roster of emerging personalities, including Fats Timbo, former rugby player Jodie Ounsley, and content creator Milly Pickles, provided fresh behind-the-scenes content that ensured the Paralympics reached an even broader and younger audience than ever before.