FCC regulation on closed-captioning passed on by stations to dioceses

Published: 2006-01-13

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Telecommunications Act of 1996 is 10 years old, but some of its provisions are still being implemented. One that escaped the notice of many Catholic broadcasters is the requirement that most broadcast programming must be closed-captioned. The requirement is placed on local television stations, which are at risk of Federal Communications Commission fines for not complying. But stations have told their local programming providers that the providers must pick up the tab for closed-captioning. But in an era where the overwhelming majority of shows on local channels are network programs, syndicated fare, local news and infomercials, there are very few other programming providers. Of those few, one would be a Catholic diocese producing a Mass for shut-ins. The closed-captioning requirement took effect Jan. 1. However, some local stations didn't notify diocesan program providers who was going to be on the hook for closed-captioning until just a few months ago. Some dioceses have filed for waivers on the requirement until they can get the captioning equipment in place. Those who have asked for a waiver do not have to comply until their case is resolved. No word has come from the FCC on when it will rule on waiver requests.

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