Reporting closed captioning problems just got easier.

Starting today (February 12, 2009), when you see a TV closed captioning problem, you can report the problem to the FCC. Closed captioning complaints can be filed online. Here’s how:

Online – complete FCC Form 2000C Disability Access Complaint at  http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

(Special Instruction – The form may say, “NOTE: If your complaint is about closed captioning only, you must first contact the station or video programming distributor.” Ignore that statement.)

Here’s what the FCC needs to know:

• your contact information, including your name, mailing address, e-mail address, and daytime phone number (if you have one);
• the name of the TV program with the closed captioning problem;
• the name of the TV station that aired the program;
• the name of your cable or satellite TV service (if you have one);
• the date and time the closed captioning problem happened; and
• a description of the closed captioning problem.

Need Help? Call the FCC –

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) (voice)
1-888-TELL- FCC (1-888-835-5322) (TTY)
An FCC representative will complete the Form 2000C complaint form for you.

Complaints must be filed within sixty (60) days of the closed captioning problem.

The NAD urges you to report closed captioning problems to the FCC. Why? Without closed captioning complaints, the FCC does not know that there are problems. The FCC must know about the problems before the problems can be fixed. The FCC can also see if there are widespread technical problems that need to be fixed.