The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice last week, reminding television broadcasters and other video programming distributors of upcoming benchmarks for Spanish language closed-captioning requirements. Effective January 1, 2010, all new, non-exempt Spanish language programming must be closed-captioned. Additionally, 75 percent of non-exempt “pre-rule” programming (i.e., programming that initially aired prior to 2010) must be closed captioned by January 1, 2012.

These benchmarks apply to both digital and analog programming and will be calculated on a per channel, per quarter basis. They are separate from the requirements to provide accessible emergency information to persons with hearing and vision disabilities.

For more information and the complete text of the Public Notice, click here.