Fw: FCC Releases Video Description Rules

FYI

Rich Schwerdtfeger
CTO Accessibility Software Group
----- Forwarded by Richard Schwerdtfeger/Austin/IBM on 08/26/2011 09:08 AM
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From: "AccessInfo" <AccessInfo@fcc.gov>
To: Richard Schwerdtfeger/Austin/IBM@IBMUS
Date: 08/25/2011 02:36 PM
Subject: FCC Releases Video Description Rules




On August 25, 2011, the Commission released a Report and Order to adopt
rules requiring video description for certain television programming.
Video description is narrated descriptions of a television program’s key
visual elements inserted into natural pauses in the program’s dialogue.
Video descriptions improve access to television programs for millions of
Americans who are blind or visually impaired.

The Commission adopted rules requiring video description in 2000, but those
rules were struck down by a federal court in 2002.  In 2010, Congress
enacted the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act
(CVAA), which required reinstatement of those video description rules, with
certain modifications.

These video description rules require ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates in
the top 25 market areas and cable and satellite television providers with
more than 50,000 subscribers to provide video description.  ABC, CBS, Fox,
NBC, USA, the Disney Channel, TNT, Nickelodeon, and TBS are each required
to provide 50 hours of video-described prime time or children’s programming
per calendar quarter.  Full compliance with the rules is required on July
1, 2012.

Report and Order:
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0825/FCC-11-126A1.doc

http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0825/FCC-11-126A1.pdf

http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0825/FCC-11-126A1.txt



Copps Statement:
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0825/FCC-11-126A2.doc

http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0825/FCC-11-126A2.pdf

http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0825/FCC-11-126A2.txt



Clyburn Statement:
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0825/FCC-11-126A3.doc

http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0825/FCC-11-126A3.pdf

http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0825/FCC-11-126A3.txt