# **FCC Receives 1,700 Complaints Regarding Loud TV Advertisements in 2024**
Loud TV commercials have consistently been a source of frustration for audiences, and despite rules aimed at regulating their volume, grievances to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have surged in 2024. Recent data shows that the FCC has received at least **1,700 complaints** concerning excessively loud TV ads this year, more than doubling the figures from past years.
## **The Impact of the CALM Act**
The **Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act**, passed in 2010 and put into effect in 2012, mandates that TV broadcasters, cable operators, and satellite providers ensure commercials **match the average volume** of the accompanying programming. This legislation was intended to stop the startling experience of a commercial suddenly blaring at a significantly louder level than the show being viewed.
The FCC regulates the CALM Act by obligating TV providers to adhere to the **Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) A/85 standard**, which encompasses guidelines on production, post-production, and management of audio loudness. If correctly followed, these guidelines should guarantee a uniform audio experience for viewers.
## **An Increase in Complaints**
Despite these rules, the FCC has observed a **marked rise in complaints** concerning loud commercials in recent years:
– **2022:** Roughly **750 complaints**
– **2023:** Approximately **825 complaints**
– **2024:** At least **1,700 complaints**
The FCC has noted that while the CALM Act initially resulted in fewer complaints, the recent increase indicates that some advertisers and broadcasters may be discovering ways to **evade the intent of the law**. One potential approach is to start a commercial at an **exceedingly loud volume** to capture viewers’ attention before decreasing the sound for the remainder of the advertisement.
## **The FCC’s Actions and Future Steps**
In reaction to the rising number of complaints, the FCC has declared it is **reassessing its regulations** and seeking public feedback on the effectiveness of the CALM Act. The agency is welcoming input from both consumers and industry representatives to ascertain:
– Whether the current regulations are being properly enforced.
– If advertisers are taking advantage of flaws within the law.
– What further steps could be taken to enhance control over commercial loudness.
The FCC is also contemplating whether **new technologies or revised industry standards** might aid in ensuring adherence to the CALM Act.
## **Should Advertising on Streaming Services Be Regulated?**
A significant shortcoming of the CALM Act is that it **excludes streaming services**. Consequently, platforms like **YouTube TV, Sling, Hulu, and Netflix** aren’t obligated to comply with the same volume rules as traditional TV providers.
Historically, this was not a significant issue because most TV viewing was conducted through **broadcast, cable, or satellite**. However, with the increasing popularity of streaming services—many of which now feature advertisements—viewers are increasingly encountering the same problem of **unexpectedly loud commercials** online.
The FCC has recognized that it is receiving **an increasing number of complaints** about loud ads on streaming platforms. Nonetheless, regulating online services poses a distinct challenge, as their operations differ from those of conventional TV providers. Should the FCC opt to extend CALM Act regulations to streaming services, it will need to create **new enforcement strategies** to ensure compliance.
## **Why Do Loud Commercials Persist?**
The precise cause behind the recent surge in complaints regarding loud commercials is unknown, but several factors may contribute:
1. **Advertisers Pushing Boundaries** – Some companies might be **testing the limits** of the CALM Act by adjusting audio levels in ways that technically adhere to the law yet still result in a jarring experience for viewers.
2. **Weak Enforcement** – Over time, broadcasters and advertisers may have become **less rigorous** about adhering to the rules, leading to increased violations.
3. **Decreasing Traditional TV Viewership** – With fewer people consuming traditional TV, some broadcasters could believe they can **get away with louder ads** without facing significant repercussions.
4. **Growth of Streaming** – As streaming services are **not subject to the CALM Act**, advertisers may be shifting their focus to digital platforms where they can **play ads at higher volumes** without regulatory repercussions.
## **What Lies Ahead?**
As the FCC continues to investigate the matter, consumers can take action by:
– **Lodging complaints** with the FCC when they encounter excessively loud commercials.
– **Adjusting TV settings** to activate automatic volume level features, which can mitigate sudden audio spikes.
– **Backing potential legislation** that could extend CALM Act regulations to streaming services.
With the ongoing transition towards **digital and streaming platforms**,
