Comments Due: April 28, 2023
Reply Comments Due: May 15, 2023
On March 17, 2023, the FCC released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) related to expanding the availability of programming with audio description. On March 30, 2023, the FCC released a Public Notice announcing the comment dates.
More specifically regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the FCC:
- Proposes to expand support for individuals who are blind or visually impaired by ensuring that they have nationwide access to video programming containing audio description in all remaining television markets.
- Invites comment on whether the costs of implementing the audio description regulations in designated market areas (DMAs) 101 through 210 are reasonable.
- Proposes to phase in the audio description requirements for an additional 10 DMAs each year until all DMAs are covered, beginning with DMAs 101 through 110 on January 1, 2025, and concluding with DMAs 201 through 210 on January 1, 2035.
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 MB Docket No. 11-43. People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online may request assistance by email to FCC504@fcc.gov.
Link to the Public Notice:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/media-bureau-announces-comment-deadlines-audio-description-fnprm
Link to the Further Notice:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-proposes-expansion-audio-description-requirements
For general information about Audio Description, please visit the FCC’s webpage: https://www.fcc.gov/audio-description. For more information about the Audio Description FNPRM, please contact Diana Sokolow, Policy Division, Media Bureau, (202) 418-0588, email 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).