Closed caption broadcasting of TV programs now a law

Senator Grace Poe has announced that the closed caption broadcasting of TV programs has lapsed into law, benefitting persons with hearing disabilities.

In a report by Inquirer, the new law is called the Republic Act No. 10905, or also known as “An Act Requiring All Franchise Holders or Operators of Television Stations and Producers of Television Programs to Broadcast or Present Their Programs With Closed Caption Options.” It was filed back in May 2014 as Senate Bill No. 2239, and was approved by the senate in May 2016.

It requires all franchise holders or operators of television stations and producers of television programs to broadcast or present their programs with closed captions options to benefit persons with hearing disabilities, including but not limited to newscast or news programs and pre-scripted programs.

There are programs, though, that shall be exempt from closed captioning:
1. Public service announcements that are shorter than ten minutes;
2. Programs shown in the early morning hours from 1:00 am to 6:00 am;
3. Programs that are primarily textual in nature;
4. When compliance would be economically burdensome.

The National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) will implement the rules and regulations of this bill.

The senator also said that the law will take effect 15 days after publication.

via: Inquirer