“This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement”
On February 20, 2014, the FCC adopted a Report and Order, Declaratory Ruling, and a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) addressing the quality and technical compliance of closed captioning on television programming, to ensure that video programming is fully accessible to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Public Comment Due Dates: There are two sets of deadlines for public comments on proposals to improve television closed captioning quality standards:
For Section on Responsibilities for Meeting the Closed Captioning Requirements:
Comments are due by April 28, 2014
Reply Comments are due by May 27, 2014
For Remaining Sections such as Minimum Captioning Quality Standards and Compliance:
Comments are due by June 25, 2014
Reply Comments are due by July 25, 2014
Effective Dates for New Rules: The new rules relating to equipment monitoring and electronic filing of exemption requests will become effective on April 30, 2014. New rules relating to the Use of ‘‘Electronic Newsroom Technique’’ will become effective on June 30, 2014. The new standards and rules for ensuring quality closed captioning will become effective on January 15, 2015.
Links to the Report and Order, Declaratory Ruling, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-14 -12A1.doc
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-14 -12A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-14 -12A1.txt
For further information, contact Eliot Greenwald, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office, 202-418-2235 or email Eliot.Greenwald@fcc.gov.