The AP via Yahoo:

Television viewers jarred by abrupt spikes in volume during commercial breaks may someday be able to give their mute buttons a rest.

“I not only dive for the mute button, but I end up having to close my windows so that the blast doesn’t affect by neighbors,” says Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. “I live on a cul-de-sac, and so the sound resonates.”

Irritated with loud commercials, the California Democrat found it was also a common complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. So she drafted a bill aimed at preventing TV ads from playing noticeably louder than the programs they sponsor.

[…] Robert Thompson, a professor of television and popular culture at Syracuse University, says Congress should have higher priorities than strident commercials.

“The idea that this is a problem that is so big that it requires legislative action is incredibly absurd,” he said. “I don’t think anyone’s ears have ever been damaged by this.” Read more

AS CHAOS UNFOLDS, FIND SOLID GROUND…

In this time of unprecedented challenges, independent journalism is more vital than ever. At Truthdig, we expose what power wants hidden and give you the clarity to make sense of it all.

Your donation helps ensure that truth telling continues.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG