FCC Doesn't Have Authority for Proposed Video Description Rules, Say NAB, Time Warner
The FCC doesn't have the authority to require companies to continue providing video description even after they've fallen out of the top tier of video providers that are mandated to do so by Congress, said NAB and Time Warner in…
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reply comments in docket 11-43. “These rule changes would exceed the Commission’s statutory authority and impose undue burdens on providers,” NAB said. The 21st Century Video Accessibility Act “does not authorize the Commission to increase the number of networks covered by the rules or adopt the no backsliding proposal,” said NAB. If the FCC does increase the amount of video description required, it should increase the flexibility of what constitutes video description, Time Warner said. “Greater flexibility as to what described content may be counted toward the Rule’s quarterly requirement is needed,” said Time Warner. Any new rules should recognize the position of smaller cable providers, said the American Cable Association. Smaller carriers aren't well-situated to identify in program guides what content is video described, and any implementation of final rules should allow more time for smaller operators, ACA said.