Scott Delacourt Featured in “BNA Insights” Video on Closed-Captioning Rules for Internet Video

Scott D. Delacourt, a partner in Wiley Rein’s preeminent Communications Practice, was featured by Bloomberg BNA this week in a “BNA Insights” video about the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) closed-captioning rules for Internet protocol (IP) video.

Closed captioning has been required for television for the past 15 years.  Under a 2010 law being implemented by the FCC, any programming that appears on television with closed captioning must also include the captioning when it’s retransmitted over the Internet.  While user-generated video clips are exempt from the requirements, the law covers technology such as streaming video players, mobile phones, personal computers, and tablet computers.

“Video has changed a lot in the last 15 years,” Mr. Delacourt said.   “When closed captioning started, it was really an obligation for television, but now video—like all forms of communication—has migrated to the Internet.  It’s now that case that almost any device with a screen and with an Internet connection can support video.”

FCC rules will require most devices manufactured on or after January 1, 2014, to support closed captioning if they are capable of recording or playing back video.  Mr. Delacourt said all eyes are now focused on that compliance deadline.

“If past is precedent, I expect we’ll see more activity at the FCC around the compliance deadline as companies that have not focused on this proceeding wake up to their new obligations, and as consumers and disability advocacy groups make their views known,” Mr. Delacourt said.

The Bloomberg BNA video featuring Mr. Delacourt can be viewed here.