A rule that requires TV broadcasters to provide an aural representation of visual, non-textual emergency information that is displayed during non-newscast programming, such as radar maps or other graphics, on a secondary audio stream will not be enforced for another year.
And, it’s a move the FCC itself acted on.
The Memorandum Opinion and Order from acting FCC Media Bureau Chief Erin Boone, released Monday, is tied to MB Docket No. 12-107, which saw the NAB seek an extension of a waiver that would allow broadcasters to not abide by the rule and thus avoid a forfeiture notice. Why? The NAB explained that the technology needed to adhere to the rule does not yet exist in a way that would be practically reasonable for over-the-air TV station owners.
The waiver extension from the NAB was filed on November 15, 2024, and with the granting of the extension for a one-year period, the waiver period will now last until May 27, 2026 — or until there is a ruling in effect on the underlying NAB petition, whichever comes first.
Importantly, Boone says the waiver does not prejudge the issues pending in that underlying petition.
Although the Audible Crawl Rule includes a compliance deadline of May 26, 2015, the Bureau has granted NAB’s five successive waiver requests pertaining to aural representations of visual, non-textual emergency information, due to the lack of any technical compliance solution.
