FCC Considers Updates to CALM Act Rules

The FCC has provided additional details on potential updates to the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act rules, which aim to prevent excessively loud TV commercials, as part of its preparations for the February 27, 2025 Open Meeting.

Key developments:

• The FCC Media Bureau has initiated MB Docket No. 25-72, titled "Updates to the Commission’s Rules Implementing the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act."
• On February 6, the FCC released a document circulated to commissioners for tentative review before the February 27 meeting. This proposed Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, to be voted on during the meeting, seeks public feedback on whether CALM Act rules should be updated.
• The FCC emphasized that the document and the issues it addresses are still under consideration and do not represent official Commission action.

Brendan Carr

In a February 5 blog post announcing the Open Meeting agenda, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr highlighted the need to revisit the CALM Act, enacted by Congress in 2010 to require broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to manage TV commercial volumes.

Carr noted, "Loud TV commercials are a frustrating headache. You’re sitting there, chilling out, and then BOOM some commercial breaks in at a high volume. I don’t like them, and I’m pretty sure you don’t either." He pointed to a recent increase in consumer complaints about loud commercials.

Carr added, "Back in 2010, Congress passed a law to address this issue, but given the rise in complaints I think now is the time for the FCC to revisit the issue. Accordingly, we will consider a notice of proposed rulemaking to see if there are additional actions the Commission could take today to make sure TV viewers aren’t inundated by exceedingly loud commercials."