COAT advocates for accessibility and usability of technology for people with disabilities. Enacting the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (21st CVAA) was a huge step forward and we are working to implement this new law. COAT’s overall aim is to ensure accessibility, usability, and affordability of all broadband, wireless, and Internet technologies for people with disabilities.
Broadcast Television
Hooray! FCC Releases Television IP Captioning Rules
COAT is enormously pleased that on Friday January 13, 2012 the FCC released the long-awaited rules for Internet Protocol (IP) TV captioning. This rule is a major component of the 21st CVAA implementation. You can see the FCC Order and accompanying statements by the Commissioners online here. Deeply involved in the rulemaking process were many leading COAT
COAT Affiliates Comment to FCC in TV IP-Captioning Rulemaking: 21st CVAA Implementation Continues
October 27, 2011. This week all Comments were due at the FCC for implementation of Closed Captioning of Internet Protocol Delivered Video Programming (or TV-to-Internet captioning). This is the most recent proposed rule issued by the FCC to implement the 21st CVAA. A 60-page set of Comments was submitted by some Consumer Groups, many of whom are COAT affiliates. COAT also submitted a Reply Comment in support of these Consumer Group comments. There are numerous other comments in this docket (Media Bureau 11-154) from individuals and from other stakeholders.
Nov 9, 2011 at 2 PM EST: First Ever Total Nation-wide Emergency Alert Test
October 25, 2011. On Wednesday November 9, 2011, at 2 PM EST, the FCC will be conducting the first nation-wide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). TV viewers -- and radio listeners -- are advised to take no action as it is only a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS)! At that time, an announcement will come on every TV and radio channel indicating that the emergency alert system has been activated. Audiences are advised to not be alarmed when they see or hear the message, which will be about 30 seconds long.
FCC Reverses Anglers Order of 2006! More Captioning Likely
October 20, 2011. Five years ago, in October 2006, several leading disability organizations filed for a "Review of the Bureau Order" and a "Petition for Emergency Stay" at the FCC in regard to what was referred to as "the Anglers' Order." Today, the FCC overturned the Angler's Order and the other 300 exemptions to providing captioning on TV that were based on the Anglers' Order.
FCC Releases Internet TV Closed Captioning Notice of Proposed Rulemaking!
On September 19, 2011, the FCC released another Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement the 21st CVAA. This is "Closed Captioning of Internet Protocol-Delivered Video Programming" or captioning of TV on the Internet. The Docket number is MB Docket No. 11-154 and a copy of the NPRM is attached also below in Word and PDF versions. Comments are due October 18; replies due October 28!
TV Broadcasters Applaud FCC Chairman, Commit to Implement Video Description Rules
August 25, 2011. NAB Statement on FCC Implementation of Video Description Rules: WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to the FCC's implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, NAB Manager, Media Relations Zamir Ahmed issued the following statement:
Closed Caption button on remote.