“This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement”
On June 8, 2017, the FCC released a Public Notice to remind multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) of the July 10, 2017 deadline to pass through audible emergency information via the secondary audio stream on second screens devices, such as tablets, smartphones, and laptops. The purpose of this rule is to make sure that people who are blind or visually impaired have audible access to televised information about emergencies (for example, tornados, hurricanes, or wildfires) when such information is displayed visually, such as an on-screen text crawl.
This requirement for second screen devices only applies when such information is delivered to subscribers who watch MVPD-provided scheduled programming over the MVPD’s network as part of their MVPD services.
Links to Public Notice:
Word: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-17-560A1.docx
PDF: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-17-560A1.pdf
Text: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-17-560A1.txt
For more information, please contact Will Schell, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at 202-418-0767 or Will.Schell@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).