The FCC is seeking comment on whether it needs to update its rules limiting excessively loud commercials. That came in a request from the Media Bureau and following a letter to FCC acting chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel from Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), author of the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act.
Loudness Gear To Make Big Noise At NAB
Now that the FCC has decided on tech specs for TV commercial audio loudness, broadcasters will be in a buying mood to get in compliance by the end of the year. A host of companies will be offering equipment and software to monitor and correct any potential problems and document compliance.
The American Cable Association is asking the FCC for a one-year exemption from having to comply with a law enacted in December that would lower the volume on all those loud TV ads that irritate so many viewers.
President Obama signed the CALM Act into law Wednesday. That is the measure that empowers the FCC to regularize the volume between programming and commercials. The Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act was approved in the House on Dec. 3.
The House on Thursday gave final congressional approval to a bill that would prevent advertisers from abruptly raising the volume to catch the attention of viewers.
