TV Captions Hide No More: FCC Demands Easy Access for All
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 starts soon and will last for at least three years, helping everyone enjoy shows with captions without hassle. Companies affected should get ready to update their devices and guides to meet these new accessibility standards.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Closed Caption Settings Made 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 or hard of hearing. This requirement was adopted on July 18, 2024 and is being implemented consistent with that Order. You will be able to find and turn on caption settings more easily on devices and program guides because of this rule.
Manufacturers and MVPDs Must Update Devices and Guides
Manufacturers of covered apparatus and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) will need to update device user interfaces, video programming guides, and menus so closed caption settings are easy to find. The Commission adopted this requirement on July 18, 2024 and will publish the compliance date in the Federal Register, so affected companies should prepare to make software or guide changes to meet the new accessibility standard.
Three-Year OMB Approval for Information Collection
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved, for a period of three years, an information collection tied to implementing the FCC's "readily accessible" closed caption settings requirement. Covered manufacturers and MVPDs are subject to this information collection for three years as part of implementing the rule.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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