Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced the tentative topics for discussion at the next Open Commission Meeting, scheduled for October 19. One of the key areas of focus will be on making television more accessible.
Importantly for the blind or visually impaired community, the Commission will discuss expanding Accessible Video Programming with audio description requirements to more market areas. This is geared towards ensuring that a larger number of these individuals can stay informed and entertained through television.
Similarly, accessibility for Wireless Emergency Alerts is also on the agenda. The FCC considering making these alerts available in multiple languages, including American Sign Language.
However, most eyes will be on the recently reignited net neutrality debate. Chairwoman Rosenworcel revealed that the Commission aims to reassert its authority over broadband Internet by potentially reclassifying it under Title II of the Communications Act. This move would enable the FCC to issue clear rules designed to protect consumers, establish a uniform national regulatory approach, and bolster the Commission’s ability to secure communication networks against national security threats.
The meeting will begin on that Thursday at 10:30 a.m. ET at the FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C. The meeting will be live-streamed.
