FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. –The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (CALM Act.) The CALM Act would finally address one of the most frequent consumer complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): the abrupt loudness of television advertisements. Specifically, the Act would enable the FCC to monitor the volume of advertisements in TV broadcasts and cable and satellite programming. The volume levels of commercial breaks would have to be consistent with the audio loudness standards of the Advanced Television Systems Committee.
Joel Kelsey, policy analyst for Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, said the House approval of the bill is a win for consumers, and he encouraged the Senate to the measure:
“Consumers may now get relief from TV advertisers who have been screaming in our ears at every commercial break,” said Joel Kelsey. “American families deserve to have peace and quiet in their living rooms without somebody blasting you off of the couch and trying to startle you into remembering an advertiser’s product.”
Media Contacts:
David Butler, 202-462-6262, Dbutler@consumer.org
Kristina Edmunson, 202-462-6262, Kedmunson@consumer.org