Resolution 2024-13 - Accessibility of NextGen TV

Resolution 2024-13 - Accessibility of NextGen TV

Submitted by Carl Richardson and Timothy Wynn on behalf of the ACB Audio description Program

Whereas, the American Council of the Blind is a leader in advocating for accessible television and entertainment for all blind, low vision, and deaf-blind viewers; and

Whereas, NextGen TV, also known as ATSC 3.0, is an emerging standard for over-the-air broadcast television, has launched in over 70 markets, and is currently available to 75% of Nielsen households in the U.S.; and

Whereas, this organization championed the passage of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) that codified into law the restoration of audio description of television programming, aural representation of emergency information, and accessibility of video programming playback and recording devices; and

Whereas, Next Gen TV has the potential to benefit viewers who are blind, low vision, deaf-blind, deaf, and hard of hearing as it supports various accessibility advances including worldwide closed caption technology, audio services including audio description service and dialog enhancement, and advanced emergency alerting capabilities; and

Whereas, television broadcast stations have traditionally limited the secondary audio stream to just one service, which can be a disadvantage to those with diverse linguistic and accessibility needs; and

Whereas, unless extended for a third time, the current digital television standard, also known as ATSC 1.0, will sunset on July 17, 2027;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually, that his organization, in conjunction with other disability-related organizations, will advocate directly with the Advanced Television Standards Committee (ATSC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and industry stakeholders to ensure: pass through of all provided secondary audio streams regardless of technology; implementation of enhanced accessibility features according to universal design principles; and extending the overall accessibility of televisions, set-top box, and other modern viewing platforms.

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