Bill Overview
Title: CALM Modernization Act of 2022
Description: This bill applies certain requirements concerning the volume of commercials to video streaming services that are supported by advertisements (e.g., Hulu). It also modifies enforcement related to those requirements. Current law requires commercials transmitted via broadcast, cable, and satellite television to have the same average volume as the underlying programming. Under this bill, the Federal Communications Commission must apply through rulemaking similar requirements to ad-supported video streaming services. The bill also modifies enforcement of requirements for moderating the volume of commercials. The commission currently uses a complaint-driven enforcement process. Under this bill, the commission must treat violations of the requirements as violations of the Communications Act of 1934. Additionally, the bill makes rebuttable a presumption that deems a broadcast television station, cable operator, or other multichannel video programming distributor in compliance with the requirements if it appropriately installs and uses certain equipment and software to moderate the volume of commercials. The Government Accountability Office must report on the effectiveness of the requirements, and the commission's enforcement of them, in moderating the volume of commercials.
Sponsors: Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-18]
Target Audience
Population: people using ad-supported video streaming services
Estimated Size: 187500000
- The bill intends to expand the application of volume regulations from broadcast, cable, and satellite to include video streaming services.
- Nearly all individuals who consume media, particularly through video streaming platforms, will experience the impact of this bill.
- According to a 2021 study, the number of video streaming service users was approximately 1.1 billion worldwide.
- The increase in ad-supported streaming options suggests that a significant portion of these users will encounter ads.
- Assuming an increase in global internet and streaming service use from 2021 to 2023, the global number of users potentially impacted may be about 1.5 billion people.
Reasoning
- The target population includes a large segment of individuals who access ad-supported streaming services, which covers a wide range of demographics.
- Even though the policy applies broadly, the actual day-to-day impact might be more significant for people who are sensitive to loud commercials, such as older adults or individuals with sensory sensitivities.
- The budget limitations might mean initial enforcement and adoption focus on major streaming services with large user bases, gradually expanding to smaller services over time.
- It is important to consider that while many might see only a slight improvement in their streaming experience, those for whom volume changes are disruptive could potentially see a larger impact on their well-being.
Simulated Interviews
graduate student (Austin, TX)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great that they're focusing on making ads less jarring.
- It'll be nice not to have to adjust my volume constantly when watching shows.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
graphic designer (New York, NY)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honestly, I barely notice the change in volume, but I guess it's good for consistency.
- I support anything that makes content consumption more comfortable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
retired (Seattle, WA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been wanting something like this for a long time.
- Loud commercials are really irritating.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
software engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 62 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It might help some, but it's not a big deal for me personally.
- Always good to see issues being addressed, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It should make a difference since I won't have to adjust the volume so often.
- Consistency in ad volumes would be a nice service improvement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
fitness trainer (Denver, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I like the idea of not having to fiddle with the remote when ads come on.
- The change isn't major, but it's appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
retired engineer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 71 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Thank goodness they're finally doing something about this!
- Loud ads have been a constant bother for years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
real estate agent (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A reduction in volume inconsistencies is helpful, but not life-changing.
- It's good progress toward a more pleasant viewing experience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
bartender (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Doesn't make much difference to me—my headphones have noise leveling.
- Good for those who don’t have those features, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
tech support specialist (Boston, MA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Less intrusive ads are always better—this is a step in the right direction.
- I support any measures aiming to enhance viewing comfort.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $40000000)
Year 2: $32000000 (Low: $28000000, High: $36000000)
Year 3: $30000000 (Low: $26000000, High: $34000000)
Year 5: $28000000 (Low: $24000000, High: $32000000)
Year 10: $26000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $30000000)
Year 100: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $29000000)
Key Considerations
- The scalability of enforcement capacity within the FCC to handle the increased scope due to streaming services.
- The existence of technical systems in streaming services that can automatically adjust commercial loudness, which might affect compliance costs.
- Potential pushback from streaming and advertising industries due to increased regulatory burden.
- Consumer perception improvements due to a more balanced audio experience when using ad-supported streaming services.