FCC Demands Easier TV Caption Access for Hearing Impaired Viewers
Published Date: 2/21/2025
Rule
Summary
The FCC is making sure that TV makers and cable companies make closed caption settings easy to find for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This new rule kicks in fully by August 17, 2026, giving companies time to get ready. It’s all about making TV watching more accessible without extra costs for viewers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Closed Caption Settings Must Be Readily Accessible
The FCC requires manufacturers of covered apparatus and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to make closed caption display settings readily accessible to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. The Commission will judge accessibility using factors including proximity, discoverability, previewability, and consistency and persistence.
Compliance Date for Next-Gen Devices Set
Devices that use next generation operating systems deployed after August 17, 2026 must comply with the closed-caption display settings rule in 47 CFR 79.103(e). The rule amendment is effective February 21, 2025, giving device makers and distributors time to prepare before the August 17, 2026 compliance date.
Video Programming Must Include Required Captions
Video programming owners (VPOs) must send program files with required captions to video programming distributors (VPDs), and VPDs must enable rendering or pass through of all required captions to the end user. These captioning rules implement the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010.
Apparatus Must Have Closed Caption Decoder Capability
Apparatus designed to receive, play back, or record video programming must be equipped with built-in closed caption decoder circuitry or capability. Devices using a picture screen 13 inches or smaller and recording devices must comply only if doing so is achievable.
OMB Approval and Estimated Compliance Burden
The Office of Management and Budget approved the information collection for 47 CFR 79.103(e) on January 10, 2025 (OMB Control Number 3060-1162, expiration January 31, 2028). The FCC estimates 1,772 respondents, 124,154 responses, a total annual burden of 11,465 hours, and total annual cost of $95,700.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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