Media Contact: 
Janice Wise (202) 418-8165
janice.wise@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC PROPOSES TO EXPAND VIDEO DESCRIPTION RULES
Action would increase the number of video described programs and provide easier access for 
individuals who are blind or visually impaired
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2016 – The Federal Communications Commission today adopted a Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that recommends updating its video description rules to expand the 
availability of -- and consumer access to -- video described programming.  Video description makes video 
programming accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired by enabling audio-narration to
describe key visual elements of a television program during pauses in the dialogue. Through video 
description, individuals who are blind or visually impaired can independently enjoy and follow popular 
television shows.
In 2011, the Commission reinstated rules that require some television broadcast stations and multichannel 
video programming distributors (MVPDs) to provide video description for a portion of the video 
programming that they offer to consumers on television. The current obligation to provide video 
description applies to TV broadcast stations that are affiliated with ABC, CBS, Fox, or NBC and are 
located in the top 60 television markets. The rules also currently apply to the top five non-broadcast 
networks on pay-TV systems that serve 50,000 or more subscribers. Congress gave the Commission 
authority in the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) to 
issue additional video description regulations if the benefits of doing so outweigh the costs.    
Since their initial adoption, the video description rules have provided substantial benefits to persons who 
are blind or visually impaired by making television programming more accessible.  The Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking tentatively concludes that these substantial benefits outweigh the costs of the 
recommended additional requirements.  
Specifically, the NPRM proposes to:
? Increase the required amount of video described programming on each included network carried 
by a covered broadcast station or MVPD from 50 hours per calendar quarter to 87.5 hours;
? Increase the number of networks subject to the video description rules from four broadcast and 
five non-broadcast networks to five broadcast and ten non-broadcast networks;
? Adopt a no-backsliding rule, which would ensure that included networks remain subject to the 
requirements even if they fall out of the top five or top ten ranking;
? Remove the threshold requirement that non-broadcast networks must reach 50 percent of pay-TV 
households in order to be subject to our video description rules;
? Require that covered distributors provide dedicated customer service contacts who can answer 
questions about video description; and
? Require that petitions for exemptions from the video description requirements and related filings 
be electronically filed with the Commission. 
The NPRM also asks for comment on timelines for implementation, as well as on any other changes to 
the video description rules that would help ensure blind and visually impaired consumers have access to 
television programming.
Action by the Commission March 31, 2016, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 16-37). Chairman 
Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, and Rosenworcel approving. Commissioners Pai and O’Rielly 
approving in part and dissenting in part. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai 
and O’Rielly issuing separate statements.
MB Docket No. 11-43
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Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes 
official action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).