On March 19, 2024, the FCC’s Media Bureau released a Public Notice seeking comment on whether the Commission should adopt a Joint Proposal filed by NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and several disability advocacy groups (collectively, “the Organizations”).
In 2015, the Commission proposed rules that would require digital apparatus manufacturers and multichannel video programming distributors to make closed captioning display settings readily accessible for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. The Joint Proposal represents the Organizations’ recommended solution for how affected entities can meet that requirement. The Public Notice seeks comment on whether the requirements in the Joint Proposal should apply broadly to the devices covered in section 303(u) of the Communications Act, and to both digital apparatus manufacturers and multichannel video programming distributors.
Link to the Public Notice:
https://www.fcc.gov/document/media-bureau-seeks-comment-joint-caption-display-settings-proposal
An AccessInfo containing the comment and reply comment periods will be issued at a later date. Interested parties may file comments by accessing the Electronic Comment Filing System athttps://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings . All filings must reference MB Docket No. 12-108. People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online, or who need materials in accessible formats (braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), may request assistance by email to FCC504@fcc.gov.
For additional information, contact Diana Sokolow, Media Bureau, Policy Division, at (202) 418-2120, or via e-mail at Diana.Sokolow@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 (videophone).