Video Description

Video description is the insertion of audio narrated descriptions of a television program's key visual elements into natural pauses in the program's dialogue, which makes video programming more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  CBS makes video description available as a secondary audio service (also sometimes referred to as a secondary audio program or SAP) for selected programs.

Since 2002, CBS has continuously and voluntarily provided video description. In 2012 the FCC reinstated regulations which mandated that CBS, and certain other broadcasters provide video described programming. CBS is proud to have been an industry leader and innovator in the voluntary provision of video description and is 100% compliant with the reinstated FCC regulations.

On July 1, 2018, the FCC further increased the required amount of video described programming from 50 hours per calendar quarter (about 4 hours per week) up to 87.5 hours per calendar quarter (about 7 hours per week). CBS voluntarily exceeds this requirement with an average of over 100 hours of video described programming on CBS per calendar quarter. 

During the 2020/2021 season, CBS will broadcast the following primetime programs with Video Description for the Visually Impaired: