Internet Video Providers: Yes, if the content was broadcast on US TV with closed captions, you must provide them with the content on your Internet Video platform. US Broadcasters: Yes, the FCC regulations apply to any broadcaster that delivers TV content to home viewers in the United States – either via broadcast, satellite, cable or multi-channel video programming. They are in place to provide all viewers with an equal opportunity to access and enjoy the video programming provided on television and over the Internet.
These regulations are derived from US legislation and apply to anyone operating in North America. They are regulations covering the provision and quality of closed captions in the US and are set out in the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) and governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). What are the FCC closed captioning regulations?
#Closed captioning guidelines series
So this is the first in a series of four blog posts to help you understand the current requirements and decide whether your content needs closed captioning. With regulations changing constantly, it’s essential to know if the North American FCC regulations apply to getting your content aired on US TV or online, yet we know how confusing they can seem. Similarly, Amazon’s instant streaming service was updated recently to include closed captions. To caption or not to caption? Many in the entertainment industry will have heard about Netflix’ challenges with closed captioning regulations, where it is now obliged to caption 100% of its streaming video library.