Earlier to today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced new rules requiring Canadian broadcasters and broadcasting distributors to control the loudness of television commercials come into force on September 1, 2012.
“Starting on September 1, Canadians will be able to enjoy their favourite television programs without having to adjust the volume during commercial breaks,” said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC. “We appreciate the efforts undertaken by the broadcasting industry to conform to the new standard and ensure that programs and commercials are transmitted at a similar volume.”
What makes a commercial loud?
Ahh, the loaded question, and really one of perception so the CRTC is going to look at a number of factors to determine what makes a “loud commercial.” Factors include the nature and content of the audio material. Some frequencies are perceived to be soothing, while others are more irritating to the human ear. As a result, a commercial can be broadcast at a similar volume, or audio level, as the program that preceded it, but perceived to be of different loudness.
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