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FCC Regulations on flashing graphics on television
Fri, 09/07/2007 - 13:08Topic: Advocate for Epilepsy
I've discussed the matter with commissioner Adelstein and he thinks it would be a fine idea. Anyone have any opinions on this matter? I don't think these sorts of things only effect those of us with epilepsy. Those with Chronic Fatigue and it's variants surely are bothered by this, especially since most who have such problems usually spend hours in front of the tube or computer screen to pass time.
Comments
Shortly after I posted that
Submitted by steveh on Fri, 2007-09-07 - 16:01
Shortly after I posted that I got a call from one of the heads of the FCC's disability branch, Tom Chandler. He said they are VERY interested in all of this, but have VERY LITTLE information on the matter. Also that they can't do a lot to control certain shows, but I think the problem lies in things the networks themselves are doing and especially the advertisers. This isn't so much a first ammendment issue as it is protecting the general public.
I know it wouldn't be hard to get some good Neurologists to run some tests...put people in front of a FOX News broadcast or an ESPN/ABC sports event (they are the worst!!! before and after EVERY replay a BRUTAL flash that destroys my day) and see what reactions come from the brain while they happen and after....
People gripe about the government but Adelstein and Copps @ the FCC are wonderful, wonderful guys and they will help if some good information can be put together on this. I do a LOT of activist work, and have never really done anything about the one thing that effects me, epilepsy...but I've recently decided that it is time and I think this is a good place to part. Just need some good people to get involved and a few fancy catch phrases like "newscorps war on the weak" or something fancy like that.
Also I think it is helpful to know that when a soldier is exposed to an IED, after they are taken in they are quickly given neurological exams as they so often have disorders. Yet here is "we love 'n support the troops!" FOX flashing lights like some kind of rock concert in their face...
p a t h e t i c
Re: FCC Regulations on flashing graphics on television
Submitted by karolina on Fri, 2007-09-07 - 17:29
Just my two cents on this issue. I probably won't make any friends here with my commments. I think this sounds like we are a bunch of whiners. Whimpy, pathetic, cry-baby whiners. I don't want the world to have to conform to my needs just because I've got a brain that doesn't work like it should. Just because a kid at my neice's school was allergic to peanuts nobody can eat any peanut related food in the caffeteria now. No peanut butter sandwiches, no butternut candy bars, nothing. If a kid wanted to eat butternut popcorn, forget, it ain't going to happen. This is just so one unfortunate kid can eat in the lunch room with everyone else. I've heard about businesses being threatened by disability groups saying if they didn't put in a fifty thousand dollar wheelchair ramp that leads to their front door they were going to be sued. What can we say anymore on tv or in print that won't offend someone or some group somewhere? I say enough already. I refuse to play the role of victim. With so much garbage on tv these days I wouldn't find it at all disappointing to turn it off and instead go experience what is out there in the real world.
Re: FCC Regulations on flashing graphics on television
Submitted by kathyc on Fri, 2007-09-07 - 15:04
Well Steve, I think that taking some of the flash out of TV would be great. It has gotten so bad that I even turn my head frequently and I don't have epilepsy, my husband does..and while we all try to help him avoid the flashes, which are a major trigger for him, it is very hard to do, when every commercial and now, nearly every program is done this way. Whoever thought it was a cool way to watch TV by flashing scenes continually across the screen, obviously doesn't watch TV. And you are correct in thinking that it bothers others that for one reason or another find themselves sitting in front of a TV or computer to pass the time. I am one of them. It's uncomfortable and annoying. So, please let us know what Commissioner Adelstein feels can be done to change this. I would be interested to know. Kathy