
By November 26, 2024, television stations and other distributors of video programming must make visual, non-textual emergency information displayed outside of newscasts audibly accessible on a secondary audio programming stream (SAP) to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This visual content includes maps and other graphic depictions of emergency information. The rule applies to broadcast TV stations, cable TV systems, direct broadcast satellite systems, and any other distributor of video programming for residential reception that delivers programming directly to the home and is subject to FCC jurisdiction. TV stations are already required to present textual emergency information aurally on an SAP channel during non-newscast programming.
The deadline to make visual, non-textual emergency information aurally available has been extended numerous times because of the unavailability of workable technology to automate the audio description of visual information. The most recent extension was granted 18 months ago. The FCC has given no indication that it plans to extend the deadline further. Therefore, stations should plan to comply with the aural description requirement by November 26.
For questions about the FCC’s aural description rules, contact an attorney in our Media practice group.
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