A Little Less Noise: Congress Passes Law To Lower Volume In Commercials

Representative Anna G. Eshoo

Saying something louder doesn't necessarily make it more effective. At least, that's what lawmakers are saying.

This week, Congress passed the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act, or CALM Act. The law, written by Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, a Democrat from from California, will require commercials to stay under a certain volume level. It gives the F.C.C. one year to take action, with an additional year given to television providers.

The act has gained much support from frustrated television viewers. Eshoo, who has served in Congress since 1993, says that this act is the most well-received she has ever introduced to Congress. Prerna Gupta, a business owner from Atlanta, said "When the commercials start blaring, I immediately hit 'mute.'"

And the affected providers aren't arguing. Though most major networks declined to comment on the act, ABC spokesman Kevin Brockman said he was all for it. "Shouting usually doesn't get your point across in discussions, in speakers at the drive-through, or in TV commercials," Brockman said. "The key is raising the level of creativity, not the volume."

The act is currently awaiting President Obama's signature.

Readers, what do you think? Are you also fed up with the steadily increasing volume of commercials?

MSMPR24seven does not own the rights to the image above.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Followers