Grant Laird, Jr. Blog

I remember that day very well – my parent (Deaf) purchased closed captioning device in early 1980s. We tried to find any TV shows that have closed captioning but we can’t find at this point. I don’t know how my parent found out which TV show that has closed captioning. One of the first TV series that we watch regularly is Three’s Company.

I was around 11 years old at this time.

You wouldn’t believe how much we enjoyed TV for first time where we can understand whole things. It’s amazing how things evolved over years. According to FCC, it’s our 25th anniversary this year. Now, we can see thousands of TV shows being caption almost regularly. Did you know that January 2006 will be effect 100% captioned on all non-exempt new programming?

I do believe that closed captioning and relay services are two of the biggest impact in our deaf community in 80s and 90s. It’s been blessing – we in America are way ahead than anywhere in the world.

Keep in mind; it has nothing to do with DVD & VHS that offers closed captioning and/or subtitle. That’s another story.

It’s good to know that FCC agreed to step up and welcome comment regarding quality of closed captioning. It is very important step in captioning markets – this way we will get proper information on all shows especially on LIVE shows. Plus they will do it right first time and ability to resolve any errors to insure we all get it too.

For example, when closed-captioning errors prevented many hearing-impaired viewers from casting their vote for Fox television’s program, “American Idol,” these viewers were prevented from being a part of this cultural event. -Adelstein

Now, if you know someone who have problem with closed captioning procedure, please do tell them to help and file comment to FCC as soon as possible. Every comments helps. You can file it at www.fcc.gov website. Let me know if you need help how to file it.

P.S. its long way to go than you think – it isn’t over. We still have big issues with closed captioning on HDTV and digital televisions. Hang in there.

FCC LAUNCHES REVIEW OF CLOSED CAPTIONING RULES

Washington, DC — The Commission has begun a proceeding to assess how its closed captioning rules are succeeding in ensuring that video programming is accessible to the millions of deaf and hard of hearing Americans and whether any revisions should be made to enhance the effectiveness of those rules.  It asked for comments on several compliance and quality issues relating to closed captioning that were raised in a Petition for Rulemaking filed by Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. (TDI), the National Association of the Deaf, Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc., the Association for Late Deafened Adults, and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network.

The current closed captioning rules have been in place since January 1, 1998.  At the time the rules were adopted, the Commission indicated it would review them after closed captioning was implemented to determine whether its expectations regarding closed captioning were being met.  The Commission initiated this review as a follow-up to the Commission’s prior assurances and in response to TDI’s Petition.  The Commission also noted that, effective January 1, 2006, all non-exempt new programming must be captioned, and this rulemaking proceeding provides an pportunity to ensure that video programming distributors are prepared to fulfill this requirement.

The Commission is interested in comments about various aspects of closed captioning.  It asked commenters to address the following types of issues:

Is there a need to adopt standards for non-technical quality of closed captioning, such as, for example, accuracy of transcription?  What would be the costs of mandating such standards?  Should any non-technical quality standards be different for pre-produced programs versus live programming? 

Is there a need for additional procedures to prevent and remedy technical problems such as, for example, captions not being delivered intact, or captions ending before the end of the programming?  If so, what form should they take?

Should distributors have specific mechanisms in place for monitoring and maintenance?

Should the existing complaint procedure be changed?

Should the Commission establish specific per violation forfeiture amounts for non-compliance with the captioning rules? 

Should the Commission require video programming distributors to file compliance reports as to the amount of closed captioning they provide?

Should the ban on counting electronic newsroom technique captioning to meet captioning requirements be extended beyond the top 25 markets?

What is the current status on the supply of available captioners?

Should the Commission require electronic filing of requests for exemption from the closed captioning requirements?

Action by the Commission July 14, 2005, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 05-142).  Chairman Martin, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, and Adelstein.  Separate statements issued by Chairman Martin, Abernathy, Copps, and Adelstein.

FCC Launches Review of Closed Captioning Rules.
News Release: Word | Acrobat

Grant W. Laird, Jr.
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com