The order clarifies that responsibility for the quality of closed captioning falls on video programmers that prepare or make arrangements for the captions on their television shows, while the delivery and technical aspects of captioning remains the responsibility of distributors (such as cable or satellite companies).

The agency continues to place primary responsibility for the provision of closed captions on video programming distributors. However, given the role of video programmers in creating programmes, contracting with captioning vendors and delivering programs to distributors, the order amends the rules to extend some of the responsibility for ensuring the quality of closed captioning to broadcast channels and cable nets. The action also holds programmers responsible for a lack of captions where they have failed to provide captions on non-exempt programmes.

To effectively implement the new rules, the amended rules simplify the FCC’s certification processes. Requirements for multiple certifications are replaced with a single annual filing requirement by video programmers that asserts compliance with FCC rules governing the provision and quality of captions. Certifications must also specify exemptions from the rules claimed by any programmer.