May 29, 2018

ACA Applauds FCC Media Bureau Order Granting Analog Cable Systems Permanent Waiver From Audible Crawl Rule

PITTSBURGH, May 29, 2018 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement regarding the May 25, 2018 order by the Federal Communications Commission’s Media Bureau granting a permanent waiver to remaining analog-only cable systems from the so-called Audible Crawl Rule, which implements the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) by requiring that emergency information provided visually during non-newscast video programming be made audibly accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired through the use of a secondary audio stream:

“ACA applauds the Media Bureau’s decision to grant the permanent waiver from the Audible Crawl Rule to analog-only cable systems that lack the equipment needed to pass through audible emergency information via a secondary audio stream. As ACA explained in its waiver request filed in March, analog-only cable systems lack the financial capacity to upgrade their equipment as needed to pass through secondary audio streams, and the financial burden of compliance would force financially marginal analog systems to go out of business. ACA appreciates the Bureau’s recognition that these systems frequently provide a value-priced option for subscribers needing only basic service, and the relief granted in this order will help to ensure that such systems can continue to serve their communities.”

About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing about 800 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for nearly 7 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business. For more information, visit https://acaconnects.org/