The Television Access Services: Report of the first six months of 2011 revealed that 11 channels provided captions on more than 99% of programming and 35 channels at least doubled the minimum requirement of providing audio description on 10% of programming. All channels with sign language obligations met the minimum requirements.
The rules require the major television networks (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC) and their affiliates in the top 25 market areas to provide audio description (called “video description” in the USA) to provide at least 50 hours of children’s or prime time programming per quarter. These rules also apply to any cable and satellite stations with more than 50,000 subscribers, including the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, TNT and TBS.
There are additional requirements designed to minimise repeats and existing description counting towards the quota.
The Standard on Web Accessibility outlines the requirements for government departments, and is supported by a guidance document outlining specific deliverables, tools and solutions. The Government suggested that the departments start implementing the guidelines immediately, giving priority to core content and most important information.
In 2007, the commission introduced a new policy which stated that broadcasters must caption 100% of programs apart from commercials and promos. It also instructed the Canadian Association of Broadcasters to establish caption working groups for the English language market and French-language market, which would include representatives from the broadcasters, distributors, consumer and advocacy groups, and caption providers.
The commission noted that there were some areas on which the English-language working group could not reach consensus. These included:
