Closed Captioning/Video Description Rules

FCC Seeks Comment on Video Description for Report to Lawmakers February 7, 2019

The FCC issued a Public Notice (the “Notice”) earlier this week seeking comments regarding recent developments in the video description marketplace as it prepares a report that must be submitted...

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Expanded Video Description Requirement Takes Effect July 1, 2018 June 14, 2018

Television stations that are affiliated with Big 4 Networks in the Top 60 DMAs have just a few more weeks—until July 1, 2018—before they must comply with expanded video-described programming...

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COMPLIANCE DEADLINE EXTENDED: May 26 Deadline for Compliance with Rule Requiring TV Stations to Video Describe Emergency Graphics on Secondary Audio Program Stream Has Been Extended for Five Years May 25, 2018

Since November 2015, all TV stations have been required to comply with a portion of the FCC’s Audible Crawl Rule, which requires stations to video describe emergency information on a...

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FCC Might Delay May 26, 2018, Deadline for TV Stations to Video Describe Emergency Graphics on Secondary Audio Program Stream April 5, 2018

A couple of months ago, we reminded you of the May 26, 2018, deadline for complying with the FCC’s rule that requires non-textual emergency information that airs during non-news programming—e.g.,...

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Four-Month Countdown: TV Stations Must Video Describe Emergency Graphics on Secondary Audio Program Stream by May 26, 2018 January 26, 2018

Since November 2015, all TV stations have been required to comply with the FCC’s Audible Crawl Rule, which requires stations to video describe emergency information on a secondary audio stream...

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OMB Is Finally Examining Closed Captioning Rules Adopted in 2016, Including Potentially Burdensome “Home Visit” Requirement October 24, 2017

Television broadcasters who are concerned about burdensome elements of the FCC’s “new” closed captioning rules have an opportunity to weigh in with OMB (the Office of Management and Budget) by...

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Important Reminder for Severe Weather Coverage: Nuts & Bolts of the FCC’s Emergency Access Rules September 8, 2017

When television stations cover severe weather events, it is critical that they remember their obligations under the FCC’s “emergency access” rules.  The points below do not represent a full exposition...

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TV Stations: Remember to Obtain Closed Captioning Certifications from Programming Providers September 8, 2017

With the new broadcast season upon us, it is a good time for television stations to take stock of the closed captioning certifications they have received from programming providers.  Stations...

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Reminder for TV Stations: Keep Closed Captioning Contact Information Current in All Locations March 20, 2017

For seven years now, television stations have been required to make closed captioning contact information available to consumers and file it with the FCC.  In short, stations must make available...

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TWO WEEK COUNTDOWN REMINDER: Montages of “Straight Lift” Video Clips Must Be Closed Captioned Online as of January 1. December 16, 2016

As of January 1, 2017, so-called montages of “Straight Lift” video clips must be captioned on the web in accordance with the FCC’s closed captioning requirements.  (Closed captioning of individual...

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