Closed Captioning Display Settings Rules For Video Providers Go Into Effect Aug. 17

On August 17, new Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) rules requiring that multichannel video programming distributors (MPVDs or providers) and manufacturers of equipment used by the providers make closed captioning display settings “readily accessible” take effect.

The rules require that manufactures of devices used to provide closed captioning and providers using that equipment ensure that consumers can “readily access” closed captioning display settings on devices deployed with next generation operating systems after the effective date. Equipment manufactured before August 17, 2026 may continue to be used, imported, or sold without restriction.

To determine whether consumers can “readily access” closed captioning display settings, the FCC will evaluate whether the devices meet the “readily accessible” standard using the following four factors:

Proximity: closed caption settings are located in one area of the device, accessed through something comparable to a button, key, or icon.

Discoverability: providers conduct usability testing, address issues identified through that testing, and train customer facing staff on caption settings.

Previewability: subscribers can preview how captions will appear while adjusting settings.

Consistency and Persistence: navigation devices expose caption settings to apps through an API, and a provider’s own app uses the device’s operating system level settings.

Next Steps

Providers should ensure that all four factors are met by conducting testing and training as described under the Discoverability factor and should review upcoming vendor contracts to confirm that equipment and operating system updates deployed after August 17, 2026 will meet the Proximity, Previewability, and Consistency and Persistence requirements.

For questions on these new requirements, or for help reviewing vendor contracts and assessing compliance ahead of the deadline, contact Brett Hallagan.