On December 1, 2025, the FCC released a Public Notice (PN) reminding broadcast television stations about the audio description requirements adopted in its October 17, 2023 Report and Order. The Report and Order expanded the audio description requirements by phasing them in for an additional 10 designated market areas (DMAs) each year until all DMAs are included.
The PN reminds television broadcasters that the audio description rules will extend to DMAs 111 through 120 on January 1, 2026. Accordingly, the audio description rules will extend to the following DMAs on January 1, 2026:
• Tyler-Longview (Lufkin & Nacogdoches), Texas
• Sioux Falls (Mitchell), South Dakota
• Fargo, North Dakota
• Springfield-Holyoke, Massachusetts
• Lansing, Michigan
• Youngstown, Ohio
• Yakima-Pasco-Richland-Kennewick, Washington
• Traverse City-Cadillac, Michigan
• Eugene, Oregon
• Macon, Georgia
Link to the Public Notice:
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-999A1.pdf
For general information about audio description, visit https://www.fcc.gov/audio-description.