A Change That Promises To Improve The Viewer Experience

The CNMC and its new regulations on television advertising: A change that promises to improve the viewer's experience

The new regulatory criteria in audiovisual advertisements seek to prevent shocks in viewers from 2026

The National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) has announced its recent regulations that aim to improve the viewer experience on television and other audiovisual media. Starting January 1, 2026, advertising will not be able to sound louder than the program or series it interrupts, a change that promises to put an end to the shocks caused by advertisements with disproportionate volume. This important announcement reflects the regulatory body's intention to protect viewers in a media environment where advertising often steals the spotlight from the content that is broadcast.

Importance of this regulation in the current context

The measure falls within the context of the General Law of Audiovisual Communicationwhich establishes that advertisements must maintain a similar volume to the programs that precede them. The CNMC has approved technical measurement criteria that will now be applied to the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT)although it will also affect radio stations and streaming platforms, creating a more equitable regulatory framework in the sector. This is a crucial step, since with the rise of digital content, regulation needs to be more robust and inclusive.

“The well-being of the spectator is a priority and the new regulations are a reflection of our commitment to this,” said a CNMC spokesperson.

How will the new regulations work?

From January 2026, all television operators will have to adjust the volume of their advertisements during commercial breaks. The established technical reference will be -23 LUFS ±1which implies that the volume of the ads cannot exceed that of the scheduled content. This standard seeks to avoid uncomfortable situations in which the viewer is startled by a sudden change in volume, something that many have already experienced when watching their favorite programs.

Additional regulatory details

• General Application: Not only DTT, but also streaming services and radio broadcasts must comply with this standard.
• Volume measurement: The CNMC will provide technical criteria that operators must follow.
• Violations: Failure to comply with these rules will be considered a minor infraction.

Reactions to the new regulation

The reception of this regulation has been mostly positive. Viewers have expressed their satisfaction that they will no longer be surprised by unexpected changes in volume. “It's something we've been waiting for for a long time,” commented a user on social networks.

“What we were looking for was a more pleasant and less disruptive experience,” declared a representative of one of the main television networks.

Social and sporting impact of regulation

The new CNMC regulations not only affect the experience of television users, but also have implications for the sports field. In a program where live events are broadcast, such as football games, sudden changes in volume during commercials can be especially annoying for fans. With this regulation, operators will be forced to take even greater care of the quality of broadcasting and provide a more uniform experience.

Comparison of loudness in advertisements

What else to consider about this regulation?

Knowing this, it is crucial for viewers to be aware of this change and familiarize themselves with the new viewing experience. The CNMC hopes that this will translate into greater public satisfaction and better compliance with regulations by operators.

Other areas of improvement in the viewer experience

Since the regulation on the volume of advertisements, the CNMC is also considering other measures to improve the quality of audiovisual content in Spain. Some of these initiatives could include:

• Transparency in advertising: greater clarity about ads and their content.
• Content standards: ensure that advertising content is appropriate for all audiences.
• Quality control: regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the measures implemented.

With the implementation of these regulations, the CNMC reinforces its commitment to a more fair and respectful media environment, not only for viewers, but also for content creators.

Conclusion and reflection

The CNMC's new regulatory framework comes as a breath of fresh air in a media landscape that demands more attention and responsibility. The expectation is that this regulation will not only improve the viewing experience, but also serve as a precedent for future regulations that protect consumers in the digital age. We are all waiting to see how this regulation will evolve and its long-term impact on the sector.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• When will the new CNMC regulations come into force? The regulations will begin to apply on January 1, 2026.
• What types of services does regulation affect? It affects DTT, streaming platforms and radios.
• What will happen if an operator fails to comply with the new regulations? It will be considered a minor infraction.
• Can I expect announcements at a higher volume in the future? No, ads must adjust to the volume of the content that precedes them.
• Why is this regulation important? It seeks to improve the viewer's experience and prevent unwanted shocks.
• Will the same criteria be applied to all media? Yes, they must all meet the same loudness standard.
• What role does the public play in this situation? Feedback from viewers was crucial for the implementation of this measure.
• What standards are being used? A reference value of -23 LUFS ±1 will be applied for loudness.
• Will there be additional changes in the future? The CNMC is considering other measures to continue improving the user experience.
• How is ad volume measured? The CNMC will provide technical criteria for measurement.