"This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement"

At its July 18, 2024 Open Meeting, the FCC adopted a Third Report and Order requiring manufacturers of covered apparatus and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to make closed captioning display settings readily accessible to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.  

The Order gives manufacturers and MVPDs the flexibility to decide how they will meet the “readily accessible” standard.  

The Order clarifies that the FCC will evaluate accessibility of captioning display settings by evaluating the following factors:  

  • proximity, 
  • discoverability, 
  • previewability, and 
  • consistency and persistence.  

The Third Report and Order includes a compliance deadline after completion of Office of Management and Budget requirements or two years after publication in the Federal Register, whichever is later.

Link to the Third Report and Order:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-acts-improve-accessibility-closed-captioning-settings

For more information about captioning display settings, visit: https://www.fcc.gov/display-closed-captioning-equipment.  For specific questions about this Report and Order, contact Diana Sokolow, Media Bureau, Policy Division, at (202) 418-2120, or via e-mail at Diana.Sokolow@fcc.gov.  Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).

Updated:
Monday, August 19, 2024