At least one bill presented to Congress managed to find approval from both sides of the aisle – distaste for commercials that blast out of television sets at volume levels above that of the programming they are embedded in is apparently universal across party lines. The bill from Anna Eshoo (D-CA) is now on its way to the White House for a presidential autograph.
The bill, passed by the Senate earlier this fall, made it through the House of Representatives on a voice vote.
Eshoo noted that loud commercials is one of the leading complaint categories received by the FCC, but said the only remedy the Commission is able to offer is that citizens “mute” commercials on their own.
In a statement, Eshoo said, “Under the CALM Act, the FCC must require advertisers to adopt industry technology which modulates sound levels and prevents overly loud commercials within one year.”
Eshoo commented, “Consumers have been asking for a solution to this problem for decades, and today they finally have it.” Rep. Eshoo said. “The CALM Act gives consumers peace of mind, because it puts them in control of the sound in their homes. TV programs use a variety of sound levels to build dramatic effect. But have been neither subtle nor nuanced. My bill reduces commercial volume, allowing them to only be as loud as the decibel level of regular programming. Consumers will no longer have to experience being blasted at. It’s a simple fix to a huge nuisance.”
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the bill’s Senate sponsor, added, “Most Americans experience the frustration of abrasively loud television commercials, with advertisers grabbing for our attention through this intrusive practice. While this is far from the biggest issue we face, it will mean one less daily annoyance in our lives. I appreciate the House’s action and congratulate Representative Eshoo.”
