The Telecommunications Act of 1996 mandates that by January 2006, virtually broadcasted and cable programs will need captions. This act does not cover DVDs or home videos. This law also mandates:
- Effective January 1, 2010, 100% of new nonexempt Spanish language programming must be closed captioned.
- Beginning January 1, 2012, 75% of pre-rule nonexempt Spanish language programming must be closed captioned per channel per quarter.
