Regulatory context
Media and news digital services are covered by multiple EU frameworks. The EAA covers services providing access to audiovisual media under Article 2, including streaming platforms, video-on-demand services, and media players. The Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD, Directive 2018/1808) requires that audiovisual media services are progressively made accessible to persons with disabilities. Public service broadcasters fall under the Web Accessibility Directive. EN 301 549 incorporating WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the applicable standard for websites and apps, with specific provisions for time-based media including captions, audio description, and transcripts. News websites offering paid subscriptions or e-commerce functionality are additionally in scope as e-commerce services under the EAA.
Common issues Lumi finds in media & news websites
Article content and reading experience
News articles with embedded media, pull quotes, infographics, data visualisations, and interactive elements frequently break reading flow for screen reader users. Proper heading hierarchy, image alt text, figure captions, and semantic markup for article structure are essential but often inconsistent across editorial content.
Video player and streaming controls
Custom video players for news clips, live streams, and on-demand content frequently lack keyboard-accessible controls for play, pause, volume, fullscreen, caption toggling, and quality selection. Players must expose their state and controls to screen readers through proper ARIA markup.
Live streaming and real-time content
Live news broadcasts, event streams, and breaking news coverage require real-time captions (WCAG 2.1 Level AA). Live caption quality, latency, and availability vary widely. Live blogs and real-time text updates need proper ARIA live regions to announce new content without disrupting the reading experience.
Paywall and subscription flows
Metered paywalls, subscription gates, and registration walls interrupt the reading experience and must be accessible. Modal dialogs for sign-up prompts need proper focus management, keyboard dismissal, and screen reader announcements. The entire subscription purchase flow - plan selection, payment, and account creation - must meet accessibility standards.
Comment and discussion systems
Article comment sections, discussion threads, and user-generated content areas frequently use third-party widgets that lack keyboard navigation, proper focus management for reply threading, and ARIA live region announcements for new comments. Moderation actions and reporting mechanisms must also be accessible.
Media & News-specific challenges
Media and news organisations face accessibility challenges driven by the volume and velocity of content production. Newsrooms publish dozens or hundreds of articles daily, each needing proper structure, alt text, and accessible embedded media. Editorial workflows often prioritise speed over accessibility, and CMS platforms may not enforce accessibility at the authoring stage. Rich media formats - interactive data journalism, photo essays, live blogs, podcasts - each have distinct accessibility requirements. Third-party ad tech (display ads, video pre-rolls, sponsored content) injects inaccessible content that publishers cannot fully control. Archive content spanning years or decades presents a massive retrofitting challenge.
Compliance timeline
The EAA is enforceable from 28 June 2025 for new audiovisual media services. The AVMSD has been in force since 2018, requiring member states to encourage accessible media services. Public service broadcasters must already comply with the WAD. Existing commercial media services have until 28 June 2030 under EAA transitional provisions. National media regulators are increasingly including accessibility in their oversight of audiovisual services.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the EAA apply to news websites?
Yes, through multiple pathways. News websites with video content fall under the EAA's audiovisual media provisions. Those offering paid subscriptions are in scope as e-commerce services. Public service media organisations are covered by the Web Accessibility Directive. EN 301 549 incorporating WCAG 2.1 Level AA applies across all these pathways.
Do news videos need captions under the EAA?
Yes. Pre-recorded video content requires captions under WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Live video content (breaking news streams, live events) also requires real-time captions at Level AA. The AVMSD additionally requires audiovisual media services to progressively improve accessibility including captioning and audio description.
Are paywalls covered by accessibility requirements?
Yes. Paywall interfaces, subscription flows, and registration processes are part of the overall service and must be accessible. If a user cannot independently navigate a paywall modal or complete a subscription purchase, the service fails to meet EN 301 549 requirements.
What accessibility requirements apply to streaming platforms?
Streaming platforms must meet EN 301 549 for their web and app interfaces, provide captions for video content, offer audio description where feasible, and ensure that player controls are keyboard and screen reader accessible. The AVMSD requires progressive accessibility improvements for all audiovisual media services in the EU.
Related resources
Last reviewed: April 2026. Content is reviewed quarterly for accuracy.