FCC Seeks Feedback on Whether Captioning Paperwork Is Too Burdensome
Published Date: 10/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for closed captioning on videos to make sure they're helpful and not too much work. Businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who provide video content might need to share info more clearly and efficiently. You’ve got until December 28, 2026, to share your thoughts, and the FCC wants to keep things easy, especially for small businesses.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Closed‑Captioning Coverage Requirement
If you provide video programming, the rules require that, with some exceptions, all new video programming and 75 percent of “pre-rule” programming be closed captioned. This requirement is implemented under 47 CFR 79.1 and the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 613).
Paperwork Time and Money Burden
The FCC estimates 36,543 respondents and 459,091 responses with estimated time per response from 0.5 hours to 30 hours, totaling 657,271 annual burden hours and an annual cost burden of $35,137,876. These figures apply to businesses, individuals/households, and not‑for‑profit entities that must comply with the closed‑captioning information collections.
Recordkeeping, Contact Info, and Complaint Filings
Providers must maintain records of monitoring and maintenance, caption quality best practices, and complaint response support. Video programming distributors must make contact information available in phone directories, on the Commission’s website and their own websites (if they have them), and in billing statements; video programmers must file contact information and compliance certifications with the Commission. Viewers may file complaints and distributors/programmers must respond and keep supporting records.
Small Business Paperwork Relief Consideration
The FCC explicitly requests ways to minimize the paperwork burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees as part of this Paperwork Reduction Act review. Comments on reducing burdens for small businesses are due by December 28, 2026.
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