What changes for PEG channel programmers under the new FCC captioning rule?

PEG channels no longer need individual programmer filings

The Commission exempts video programmers who provide programming exclusively to PEG channels from registering with the FCC and filing annual compliance certifications. This applies when the PEG channel administrator certifies that the entire channel is exempt from closed captioning requirements. Paperwork drops sharply.

More than 1.2 million volunteers and more than 250,000 community groups across the United States produce PEG programming. The vast majority of PEG channels already qualify for captioning exemptions.

If a PEG channel is not fully exempt, programmers on that channel are still relieved of filing duties when the channel administrator certifies that all programming carried is either compliant or exempt. The Commission found that few, if any, non-exempt PEG channels exist. In cases where an administrator does not register and certify, individual programmers keep their original obligations.

The rule does not change any substantive captioning requirements. Programming that is exempt stays exempt. Non-exempt programming must still be captioned.

Nonbroadcast networks can certify for their suppliers

A similar exemption covers providers of programming carried on nonbroadcast networks distributed by a cable operator or other multichannel video programming distributor. When the network itself registers and certifies that it is exempt or that its entire linear line-up is compliant or exempt, individual program owners need not file separately.

Nonbroadcast networks already had to register and certify annually. The Commission concluded that requiring thousands of program owners to duplicate those filings was unnecessarily burdensome. Networks often use contractual provisions to hold suppliers accountable for captioning compliance.

The Order states that the new rules are not intended to disturb or interfere with those agreements. If a nonbroadcast network fails to file a certification, each video programmer supplying that network remains subject to the registration and certification requirements.

The numbers behind the paperwork reduction

About 290,000 programmers would save roughly 30 minutes per year each. Using a value of time of about $17 per hour, the annual savings reach $2.43 million. About 1,700 channel administrators would incur the cost of filing contact information and making a certification.

Because nearly all PEG channels are exempt, the Commission expects this to take about 30 minutes annually per administrator, costing about $14,238 in total. Net cost savings are projected at $2.41 million. The effective date is November 25, 2026.

Amendatory instruction 3, covering 47 CFR 79.1(i)(4) and (m)(6), is delayed indefinitely. The Commission will publish a separate Federal Register notice when that portion takes effect. The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau is directed to develop a certification and registration form and database that minimizes burden for providers controlling multiple program networks. A request to extend procedural matters to virtual MVPDs was declined as beyond the scope of this proceeding.