Closed Captioning Blog

The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau reported an increase in closed captioning complaints since the transition to digital television in June of 2009. To combat this, in February 2010, the FCC implemented a new closed captioning complaint rule. This allows consumers to file their closed captioning complaints directly with the FCC. Closed captioning complaints (captions that are missing, delayed, too fast, garbled, or unreadable) must be filed within 60 days of viewing the program.  Consumers can fill out an online form, or they can email their complaints to fccinfo@fcc.gov, fax them to 1-866-418-0232, or send a letter directly to the FCC. Once the FCC receives the complaint, they will contact the TV station, who is required to respond within 30 days.

The FCC has also implemented new contact information requirements. This requires video programming distributors to post their contact information on their websites and billing statements, so that consumers may contact them directly to report problems with their closed captioning.