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I'm legally blind. I rely on content having audio description available. Thankfully, the increased audio capabilities of ATSC 3.0 enables that accessibility to be much more prevalent. However, allowing those broadcasts to be encrypted turns around and makes those audio descriptions extremely difficult to access.
Even if most new TVs come with tuners that can decrypt the DRM, those TVs likely do NOT have screen readers or other assistive technology built-in. Blind and low vision folks need to use players with full operating systems and included screen readers to enjoy a very accessible experience. However, those players need to access OTA content from a home network, and tuners that can provide that (e.g. Silicon Dust HDHomerun) are heavily impacted by such encrypted content.
In short, by giving broadcasters the power to choose who may decrypt their content, ATSC 3.0 has given them the power to easily, intential or not, to disproportionately disadvantage people with disabilities to access content over public air waves.
Stephen supported: Tell the FCC: No DRM Encryption of ATSC 3.0 BroadcastsSubject: Protect Free Over-the-Air TV – End DRM Encryption in ATSC 3.0
Dear [FCC Commissioners / Members of Congress],
I am writing as an American citizen concerned about the impact of DRM encryption on free over-the-air television broadcasts in the ATSC 3.0 standard. For decades, free TV has been a vital source of news, emergency information, and entertainment for millions of Americans. However, the implementation of Digital Rights Management (DRM) encryption in ATSC 3.0 threatens this accessibility by restricting how consumers can receive and use broadcast signals.
Free television should remain free and accessible to all Americans without requiring proprietary hardware, internet access, or corporate-controlled authentication systems. Encryption of broadcast signals undermines the principles of public access and consumer rights. It also contradicts the intent of the Communications Act of 1934, which established broadcast television as a public service.
Furthermore, the U.S. Constitution and our fundamental rights under the 1st and 27th Amendments protect our freedom to receive information without unnecessary barriers. DRM on ATSC 3.0 signals disproportionately impacts lower-income households, rural communities, and anyone who relies on free TV for local news, weather alerts, and emergency information.
I urge the FCC to:
Prohibit DRM encryption on ATSC 3.0 broadcasts, ensuring free, unrestricted access to public TV signals.
Protect consumer rights by preventing broadcasters from requiring internet-connected devices or special licenses to view over-the-air content.
Enforce transparency and public interest obligations for broadcasters transitioning to ATSC 3.0.
Free TV is a cornerstone of American media, and it must remain available to everyone, regardless of their financial status or location. Please take action to protect free over-the-air broadcasting and ensure that corporate interests do not override the rights of the American people.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
[Chris Mackie]
[chrismackie2010@gmail.com]
[walkertown NC 27051]
Chris supported: Tell the FCC: No DRM Encryption of ATSC 3.0 BroadcastsOver the Air TV in America has ALWAYS been FREE. Plenty of poor people use free tv to help keep their mind off the everyday struggle to survive in a very tough world. Don’t take away this free service that keeps a lot of poor America entertained without breaking the bank. Don’t sell out
Ronald supported: Tell the FCC: No DRM Encryption of ATSC 3.0 BroadcastsYou’re not alone — a community of supporters is ready to back you.
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