Who regulates the volume of commercials on television? The local stations or the networks?

Question

The volume is so loud on commercials, I am constantly grabbing the remote to turn it down, then when the program I am trying to watch finally comes back on, I have to get the remote again and turn up the volume. Given the number of commercials blasted at me, per program, I am constantly adjusting. This is very irritating, and seems to happen on all channels. I find that I am using my computer more, and watching tv less. Maybe thats "a good thing". I'm using my mind more and my remote less.

Answer 1

I work as a Master Control Operator for a network affiliate and this is my understanding of the volume problem with commercials. The FCC does regulate the limit of decibles broadcast. Most television shows don't come close to having that level in their productions, but commericals are mostly shot AT that maximum level. The reason they sound louder is because they are compared to the level of the tv shows they are in. As an MCO, I tell people one of my jobs is turn the volume up during a commerical as a joke, but I've had people think I'm serious.

Answer 2

Where I live the local stations are the networks. CBS really is CBS, and so on. The volume would be controlled at every point the program is has been edited. When it finaly comes down to whomever inserts commercials, they also will be able to adjust the volume. It could be either the commercials are too loud, or maybe the original programming is just to low in volume.

Answer 3

Supposedly the FCC regulates the volume and the Stations are supposed to make sure there isn't significant surge when commercials are playing but the sound engineering on commercials can be done in such a way that they sound fuller which we hear as louder even thought the meters won't indicate an increase in volume.

Answer 4

I assume that as an affiliate station they have to run a certain number of commercials for the network, and that they can opt to run more commercials then that as they see fit to.

One thing though... this is one of the reasons I hate watching American television. I'm Canadian, and Canadian networks run much fewer commercials. Sometimes when I'm watching a program on an American network... I feel like I'm watching more commercials than programming.

As to the variance in volume... I've noticed it, but I don't know who's responsible.

Answer 5

I have a feeling it's the networks, or the retailers selling the products. They want to get their point across to sell their product or service, and it's anoying. Thank God for the invention of the mute button. Good grief, you'd think they think we're deaf or something! I find that I'm watching tv less and less, and my computer more, also use my spare time playing piano and working on my artwork. Much better use of my time than listening to commercial yapping!

Answer 6

Someone needs to regulate it. It's very annoying to have to turn down the TV everytime a stinking commercial about Enzyte Bob comes on.

Answer 7

Every transmitter, be it VHF, UHF or cable has an out-put volume control, and if you call your local cable provider and complain to them and if no joy there, then there is a 1-800-phone No. you can call to report offensive commercials, and extreme volume is offensive.
Just look in the phone book under Federal Govt.

Answer 8

Here in California I had a BIG problem with this...

The local cable provider (COMCAST) inserts LOCAL commercials, and THOSE are the loudest... They are not matched / balanced to the rest of the commercials.

I contacted the networks, the local affiliates, the cable provider, and FCC to track this down.

If you have a complaint... forward it on to to the FCC.

Answer 9

I wish I knew. I hate that the commercials are so much louder than the regular TV shows. I think it must be a ploy on the part of advertisers to grab our attention.

Answer 10

There are government regulations on the increase of sound decibals during a commercial but I really don't think they are being governed that well.