On December 1, 2022, the FCC released a Public Notice (PN) reminding broadcast television stations about the audio description requirements adopted in its October 27, 2020 Report and Order. The Report and Order expanded the audio description requirements by phasing them in for an additional 10 designated market areas (DMAs) each year for four years.
The PN reminds television broadcasters that the audio description rules will extend to DMAs 81 through 90 on January 1, 2023. The FCC previously extended the audio description rules to DMAs 61 through 70 on January 1, 2021, and to DMAs 71 through 80 on January 1, 2022.
Public Notice:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/reminder-audio-description-rules-phase-dmas-81-90-1123
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-1244A1.docx
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-1244A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-1244A1.txt
Report and Order:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-expands-audio-description-video-content-more-tv-markets-0
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-155A1.pdf
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-155A1.docx
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-155A1.txt
For general information about audio description, please visit the FCC’s webpage: https://www.fcc.gov/audio-description. For more information about the Report and Order, 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).