FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hearing Loss Network Advocacy Triggers Historic FCC Action

San Diego, CA - March 2, 2005 - Several local television stations are facing stiff fines for apparently violating Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules regarding the provision of emergency communications access to residents with hearing loss. These proposed sanctions, which stem from emergency broadcasts covering the October 2003 wildfires, are the first fines ever proposed for this infraction. Following the wildfires Hearing Loss Network (HLN) Executive Director Larry Sivertson reported to the FCC that the emergency broadcasts were not accessible to many of the estimated 300,000 San Diegans with hearing loss.

In 2000, the FCC implemented a rule requiring TV stations to present emergency information in a visual format for those who are hard of hearing or deaf. Situations specifically identified as emergencies include hurricanes, earthquakes, discharge of toxic gas and widespread fires.

Sivertson states, "The purpose of the FCC rule is to ensure that people with hearing loss, who comprise approximately 10% of the general population, receive the information they need to react appropriately during an emergency."

The FCC decisions cite specific instances in which a visual representation of spoken emergency information was either missing or inordinately delayed. Inaccessible information included streets being evacuated, road closures, and the locations of evacuation centers. The FCC regulations specifically require these types of emergency information to be presented visually; the decisions state that the "Commission has several times reminded video programmers of their obligation to make emergency information accessible."

Sivertson stated, "The hearing loss community has long complained about the failure of TV stations to make emergency information accessible. There are a number of similar complaints pending before the FCC. It's too bad that stations have to be fined, but it looks like that's what it takes to get them to do the right thing."

About Hearing Loss Network

Hearing Loss Network is a not-for-profit agency serving people affected by hearing loss in the San Diego area. We provide advocacy, a speakers' bureau, an advisory bureau, and a variety of workshops and classes pertaining to hearing loss.

Contact Information:

Larry Sivertson, Executive Director

larry@hearinglossnetwork.org

http://www.hearinglossnetwork.org