FCC Enhances Accessibility of Video Programming on Television

The Federal Communications Commission adopted amendments to its rules on closed captioning of televised video programming to ensure that millions of Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing have full access to programming.

This action helps clarify which entities are responsible for which parts of the delivery and quality of closed captions on television. The order clarifies that responsibility for the quality of closed captioning falls on video programmers that prepare or make arrangements for the captions on their television shows, while the delivery and technical aspects of captioning remains the responsibility of distributors (such as cable or satellite companies). The FCC allocates the responsibilities for addressing and resolving closed captioning provision and quality control issues between video programmers and distributors, based on which entity has primary control for each issue. The Order also modifies and improves the captioning complaint procedures and certification process.