On June 22, 2022, the Media Bureau released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) inviting public comment on the state of the Next Generation Television (or ATSC 3.0) transition and on two consumer protection rules that will expire in 2023 unless the Commission takes action to extend them. 

As part of its review of the ATSC 3.0 marketplace, the item asks commenters to describe any “enhanced accessibility features” that are currently being broadcast to viewers watching the 3.0 signals, and, if none are currently deployed, asks broadcasters when viewers can expect such features to become available.

Comment and reply comment dates are set for 30 days and 60 days, respectively, after Federal Register publication, at which time another AccessInfo containing the comment dates will be sent out. Interested parties may file comments by accessing the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings.  All filings must reference GN Docket No. 16-142. People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online may request assistance by email to FCC504@fcc.gov

Links to NPRM:
URL:    https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-seeks-comment-deployment-next-generation-tv-technology  
Word:  https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-47A1.docx  
PDF:  https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-47A1.pdf  
Text:  https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-47A1.txt  

For further information, please contact Evan Baranoff, Policy Division, Media Bureau, at (202) 418-7142 or Evan.Baranoff@fcc.gov.  Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432‐2275.

Updated:
Wednesday, June 29, 2022