PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 13-1398 Released: June 18, 2013 MEDIA BUREAU ANNOUNCES COMMENT AND REPLY COMMENT DEADLINES FOR THE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING REGARDING ACCESSIBILITY OF USER INTERFACES AND VIDEO PROGRAMMING GUIDES/MENUS AND ESTABLISHES SCHEDULE FOR EX PARTE MEETINGS MB DOCKET NO. 12-108 NPRM Comment Deadline: July 15, 2013 Dates Set Aside for Ex Parte Meetings with Bureaus: July 22-24, 2013 NPRM Reply Comment Deadline: August 7, 2013 On May 30, 2013, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Matter of Accessibility of User Interfaces, and Video Programming Guides and Menus (the “NPRM”).1 The Commission seeks comment in the NPRM on proposals to implement Sections 204 and 205 of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (“CVAA”), which generally require that user interfaces on digital apparatus and navigation devices used to view video programming be accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and that such devices provide a mechanism that is “reasonably comparable to a button, key, or icon designated for activating” certain accessibility features. The Commission set deadlines for filing comments and reply comments at 25 and 50 days, respectively, after publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register.2 By this Public Notice, the Media Bureau announces that the NPRM was published in the Federal Register today, June 18, 2013.3 Comments must be submitted no later than July 15, 2013. Reply Comments must be submitted no later than August 7, 2013. Commenters should follow the filing instructions provided in paragraph 65 of the NPRM.4 The NPRM is also available on the Commission’s website.5 1 See Accessibility of User Interfaces, and Video Programming Guides and Menus, MB Docket No. 12-108, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 13-77 (rel. May 30, 2013). 2 See NPRM at 1. 3 See Accessibility of User Interfaces, and Video Programming Guides and Menus, 78 Fed. Reg. 36478 (June 18, 2013). 4 See NPRM at 27, ¶ 65. 5 See http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-13-77A1.docx (Word), http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-13-77A1.pdf (Acrobat). 2As described in the NPRM, this matter shall be treated as a “permit-but-disclose” proceeding in accordance with the Commission’s ex parte rules.6 Given the October 9, 2013 statutory deadline for completing the accessible user interfaces and programming guides proceeding, we have determined it would be more efficient for Commission staff to set aside a few days for ex parte meetings.7 Staff from the Media Bureau’s Policy Division, as well as staff from the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, will be available for meetings with interested parties to discuss issues raised in comments on July 22, 23, and 24, 2013. To the extent interested parties have an unavoidable conflict such that they cannot meet on any of these dates, they may contact Media Bureau staff to discuss alternate arrangements. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. To schedule meetings pursuant to this Notice, please contact Adam Copeland, Adam.Copeland@fcc.gov, or Maria Mullarkey, Maria.Mullarkey@fcc.gov, of the Media Bureau, Policy Division, (202) 418-2120. Press inquiries should be directed to Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165. TTY: (202) 418-7172 or (888) 835-5322. - FCC - 6 See 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.1200 et seq.; NPRM at 26, ¶ 61. 7 The Bureau previously set aside specific dates for ex parte meetings in another CVAA rulemaking subject to a statutory deadline and found the process to be useful. See Public Notice, Media Bureau Establishes Schedule for Ex Parte Meetings Regarding Accessible Emergency Information and Apparatus Requirements for Emergency Information and Video Description, 27 FCC Rcd 15793 (2012).