Filing Closed Captioning Complaints?

For consumers who wish to contact their video programming distributor (VPD) directly regarding a closed captioning problem they are experiencing, the FCC has established a VPD Registry, which contains contact information to reach a VPD about closed captioning. The link to the VPD Registry is http://esupport.fcc.gov/vpd-search/search.action.

If a consumer prefers to file a written complaint with the VPD or the Commission you can follow the procedures listed below.

FILING A WRITTEN COMPLAINT

For captioning problems during non-emergency programming, you may file a written complaint with either the FCC or your video programming distributor (i.e., your cable or satellite TV service, or the TV station if you do not pay for cable, satellite, or another subscription video service). If you file your complaint with the FCC, the FCC will forward the complaint to your video programming distributor.

The FCC rules establish specific time limits for filing closed captioning complaints. Your written complaint must be filed within 60 days of the captioning problem. After receiving a complaint, either directly from you or from the FCC, the video programming distributor will have 30 days to respond to the complaint. If you filed your complaint with your video programming distributor and they do not respond within 30 days, or if a dispute remains, you can send your complaint to the FCC.

You can file your written complaint by using the on-line complaint form found at http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm?sid=&id=d1e3. You can also file your complaint with the FCC’s Consumer Center by e-mailing fccinfo@fcc.gov; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:

       Federal Communications Commission
       Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
       Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
       445 12th Street, S.W.
       Washington, DC 20554.


WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR COMPLAINT

The best way to provide all the information the FCC needs to process your complaint is to complete fully the on-line complaint form. If you do not use the on-line complaint form, your complaint, at a minimum, should include the following information:

  • your name, street, city, state and zip code, and other contact information such as a videophone or TTY number or e-mail address;

  • the television channel number, call sign, and network; (See our VPD database to look up distributors' contact information in your area)

  • the name of the subscription service, if you pay to receive television; (See our VPD database to look up distributors' contact information in your area)

  • the location of the TV station or subscription service; (See our VPD database to look up distributors' contact information in your area)

  • the date and time when you experienced the captioning problem;

  • the name of the program or show with the captioning problem;

  • a detailed description of the captioning problem.

  • recorded submissions of the lack of closed captioning, in addition to what is listed above, are welcome but are not required.
For more information on the closed captioning rules, click here to go to the Closed Captioning web page or click here to go to the Closed Captioning Factsheet.



last reviewed/updated on 7/14/10