Congress turns down the volume on TV commercials

“It’s about time we turned down the volume on loud commercials that try to startle TV watchers into paying attention. This is a simple step that will keep ads at the same decibel level as the programs they are interrupting,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), one of the bill’s co-sponsors. “TV viewers should be able to watch their favorite programs without fear of losing their hearing when the show goes to a commercial.”

The bill would require the FCC to come up with a regulation within one year that would comply with international standards for digital television while limiting the volume on TV ads. Broadcast stations, cable carriers and other video content providers that demonstrate the new rules would pose a hardship will be able to apply for a waiver to avoid the regulations.