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Question: I sent an email to all three local news stations asking them if they recall what the effective date is for broadcasting commercials at the same decibel level as the main programs. I also asked if they would meet the date imposed by Congress. Currently I have to turn down the TV each time a commercial is played, then back up when the commercials are over. Sad to say, not one single news station replied. Can you find out when that date is and if the local stations will comply?
Question: I have been reporting loud commercials on our local television stations to the Federal Communications Commission, but I don’t notice it being corrected. Isn’t there a new law in effect that is supposed to end those loud commercials? I am a senior citizen and hard of hearing as it is. We can put a man on the moon, but we cannot even stabilize the volume on commercials before airing them?
Answer: Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission, through the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, to establish rules requiring commercials to be no louder, on average, than the programs they accompany.
But the date of compliance isn’t until Dec. 13, and stations can apply for a one-year waiver if they can’t immediately afford the equip- ment needed to comply.
Beginning Dec. 13, the FCC’s rules will require TV stations, cable operators, satellite TV providers and other pay TV providers to limit a commercial’s average volume to the same average volume as the programming it accompanies. A commercial may have louder and quieter moments, but overall it has to be no louder than surrounding programs, according to the FCC.
It remains to be seen whether every station will comply by that date or seek a waiver. The FCC has the option of renewing the waiver for an additional year.
Stations under the Star-Advertiser’s news partner, Hawaii News Now — KGMB, KHNL and KFVE — will be meeting the deadline, said Keith Aotaki, director of engineering.
“Our corporation will ensure we are compliant by the CALM Act deadline,” he said. “Capital purchases are being addressed.”
Once the rules are in effect, complaints about noncompliance can be made to the FCC (include the time, channel, description of the commercial, whether you are watching pay TV or broadcast television using an antenna, and contact information) by calling 888-225-5322, sending a fax to 866-418-0232 or mailing to Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division, 445 12th St. SW, Washington, DC 20554.
Equipment May Help
What can you do until the new law takes effect?
The FCC says many TV receivers now have circuits designed to stabilize loudness differences between programs and commercials, but they have to be turned on through a “Set up/Audio” menu. Otherwise, you’ll have to resort to doing what many already do: manually adjust the volume.
The FCC says your remote control “remains the simplest approach to reducing excessive volume levels,” either by pressing the mute button or manually lowering the volume.
Mahalo
To the gentleman who helped two senior citizens load their luggage into the car at Honolulu Airport on June 18. I came home from the mainland around 10:30 p.m. My husband came to pick me up but forgot to unload the trunk. We were struggling to put the luggage into the back seat. My husband was not feeling well and was in pain. A kind gentleman ran over, took control of the situation and had us on our way. We are forever grateful for his aloha. We pray that something extra special happens to you. —S. Liao
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Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
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