By a unanimous 4-0 vote, the FCC put regulations mandating closed captioning on virtually all video programming which was put in motion on a gradual basis by enactment of Telecom 1996. The requirement will be in effect on 1/1/06. At the same time, the Commission called for commentary on a number of possible revisions and additions to the closed captioning rulebook. The questions are in regard to both the cost and practicality of adhering to the rules, as well as the framework for enforcing them.

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The FCC wants commentary on the following closed captioning issue:

* Is there a need to adopt standards for non-technical quality of closed captioning, such as, for example, accuracy of transcription? What would be the costs of mandating such standards? Should any non-technical quality standards be different for pre-produced programs versus live programming?

* Is there a need for additional procedures to prevent and remedy technical problems such as, for example, captions not being delivered intact, or captions ending before the end of the programming? If so, what form should they take?

* Should distributors have specific mechanisms in place for monitoring and maintenance?

* Should the existing complaint procedure be changed?

* Should the Commission establish specific per violation forfeiture amounts for non-compliance with the captioning rules?

* Should the Commission require video programming distributors to file compliance reports as to the amount of closed captioning they provide?

* Should the ban on counting electronic newsroom technique captioning to meet captioning requirements be extended beyond the top 25 markets?

* What is the current status on the supply of available captioners?

* Should the Commission require electronic filing of requests for exemption from the closed captioning requirements?