SiriusXM and Deaf Advocates Ask Court to Extend Stay as Podcast Transcript Settlement Talks Continue

SiriusXM and major disability rights groups are once again asking a federal court to freeze litigation deadlines as they continue negotiations in a high-profile lawsuit centered on podcast transcription accessibility—a case that has been closely watched across the media, streaming, and disability rights communities.

In a newly filed joint status update, SiriusXM and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) requested that a federal judge extend an existing stay in the case, allowing both sides additional time to continue mediation and potentially reach a settlement without incurring further legal costs.

The legal battle—originally filed in 2021—focuses on whether SiriusXM must provide podcast transcripts across its platforms, including Pandora and the SiriusXM app, to comply with accessibility laws designed to protect deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans.

SiriusXM logo displayed outside company headquarters amid podcast transcript accessibility lawsuit with National Association of the Deaf

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SiriusXM and NAD Seek More Time to Avoid Costly Courtroom Fight

According to the joint filing submitted Friday, attorneys for both SiriusXM and the deaf advocacy organizations asked U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas to maintain the pause on all litigation deadlines.

The reason: settlement discussions are ongoing and both parties believe negotiations are moving in a direction that could prevent the need for prolonged litigation.

In the filing, both sides argued that extending the stay would help them continue pursuing a resolution “without further litigation and the associated expenses.”

This request signals that talks between the two sides may be progressing more seriously than in previous years, after multiple failed attempts to reach a compromise.

Mediation Sessions Continue Under Retired Federal Magistrate

The filing also revealed that the parties have already completed a second mediation session on January 26, held under retired U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven Gold, who has been overseeing the mediation process.

Now, they want additional time to:

The parties reportedly plan to meet again with Judge Gold in early April.

Proposed Next Mediation Date: April 7

The next session is tentatively scheduled for April 7, giving both sides several weeks to prepare and refine settlement terms before returning to mediation.

Proposed Deadline Freeze Would Last Through April 21

Under the schedule proposed in the joint filing, the stay on litigation deadlines would remain active until April 21.

That means:

This type of stay is typically granted when both sides show they are negotiating in good faith and believe a resolution is realistic.

A Long Chain of Court Stays Has Already Delayed the Case

The current request is not the first pause in this lawsuit.

The filing notes that this latest request builds upon multiple earlier court-approved stays, which began after SiriusXM sought to dismiss the case.

Timeline of Key Litigation Delays

Here’s how the legal pause unfolded:

The repeated extensions suggest the case is no longer moving in a typical litigation pattern, but rather being shaped by behind-the-scenes negotiations.

What the Lawsuit Is About: Podcast Transcripts and Accessibility

The lawsuit was originally filed by:

The core demand: SiriusXM must provide accessible podcast transcripts across its platforms.

The plaintiffs argued that SiriusXM failed to provide sufficient commitments that transcripts would be available for all podcasts streamed through:

The complaint claims this lack of accessibility violates both:

Deaf Advocates Say Millions of Americans Are Affected

The lawsuit emphasizes the scale of the issue, stating that the U.S. has over 48 million deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans.

Advocates argue that without transcripts, podcasts become inaccessible to millions, cutting them off from:

They maintain that podcasting has become a mainstream media format, and accessibility should not be optional.

SiriusXM Has Produced More Than 1,000 Documents in Discovery

Although litigation has now slowed due to mediation, the case has already progressed through a substantial discovery process.

According to previous filings referenced in the report, SiriusXM has turned over more than 1,000 documents to the plaintiffs during evidence collection.

This suggests the dispute has already involved extensive legal work and internal corporate disclosures, which can include:

Such disclosures often become leverage points in settlement negotiations.

Why This Case Matters Beyond SiriusXM

This lawsuit is not just about one company.

Legal experts and accessibility advocates have pointed out that the case could influence broader industry expectations for:

If a settlement or court ruling requires transcripts across major platforms, it could establish a de facto standard across the podcast industry.

Technology Has Evolved Since the Lawsuit Began

When the case was filed in 2021, transcription tools were not as advanced or widely adopted.

But in the years since, major technological improvements—especially in AI speech recognition—have changed the landscape dramatically.

Modern Podcast Apps Now Offer Text-Based Features

Today, several platforms provide tools that allow users to read along with audio content.

This includes features like:

These developments may reduce the cost and technical burden that once made transcripts difficult to scale.

SiriusXM Claims It Now Transcribes All English Podcasts on Its App

One of the most significant developments is SiriusXM’s statement to the court that it now provides transcription for all English-language podcasts on the SiriusXM app.

That could become a central issue in settlement talks.

If SiriusXM already has transcripts in place for English content, the remaining debate may focus on:

Pandora Transcription Feature Expected This Year

SiriusXM has also indicated that a similar transcription feature is expected to be added to Pandora during the current year.

If true, this could strengthen the company’s argument that it is already taking meaningful steps toward accessibility.

The ADA Legal Question: Does It Apply to Streaming Apps?

Perhaps the most controversial part of the lawsuit is not the technology—it’s the law.

SiriusXM has argued that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not apply to streaming services.

The company’s legal position is based on the interpretation that the ADA covers only physical places of public accommodation.

SiriusXM’s Core Legal Argument

SiriusXM has argued that:

In other words, SiriusXM is saying the law may not legally require them to provide transcripts under the ADA—regardless of what may be ethically or socially expected.

SiriusXM Cites Multiple Federal Appeals Court Precedents

In its argument, SiriusXM referenced legal precedent supporting its position.

The company claims courts have repeatedly ruled that “places of public accommodation” must be physical.

It cited decisions from multiple U.S. Court of Appeals circuits, including:

SiriusXM also argued that courts in New York have reached similar conclusions in related cases.

These citations could be a major reason why both parties are pursuing settlement—because the outcome in court is uncertain for both sides.

Why Deaf Advocates Say the Law Must Adapt to Modern Media

Disability advocates have repeatedly argued that modern life has moved online—and accessibility laws must evolve with it.

They believe that:

From their perspective, limiting ADA protections only to physical locations would create a dangerous legal loophole, allowing companies to avoid accessibility simply by operating online.

Settlement Could Avoid a Landmark Ruling With Industry-Wide Impact

If this case reaches a final ruling, it could become a landmark decision for the future of accessibility in podcasting.

That is likely one reason both sides are strongly exploring settlement.

A court ruling could:

A settlement, however, could allow both sides to reach a compromise without creating binding legal precedent.

What a Settlement Could Include

While the exact negotiation details are confidential, legal analysts say accessibility settlements often include a combination of technical requirements and compliance monitoring.

A settlement between SiriusXM and deaf advocates could potentially include:

Possible Settlement Terms

Such terms would allow the plaintiffs to claim meaningful progress while giving SiriusXM flexibility in implementation.

Why Google, Apple, Spotify, and the Podcast Industry Are Watching Closely

The lawsuit may directly involve SiriusXM and Pandora, but the implications extend much further.

If a settlement forces full-scale transcription, competitors may face pressure to match the standard—even if not legally required.

This is especially relevant in the era of:

Transcripts also benefit search engines by making audio content crawlable, which can increase visibility and engagement.

Podcast Transcripts Are No Longer Just Accessibility Tools—They’re SEO Assets

Ironically, what started as an accessibility battle has become a major business advantage for digital media platforms.

Transcripts are now widely used to:

For streaming companies, transcripts can serve both:

The Financial Stakes: Podcasting Is a Major Revenue Driver

Podcasting has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry.

For SiriusXM—owner of Pandora and other digital audio properties—podcasts are an important part of growth strategy, subscription retention, and advertising revenue.

A court ruling requiring universal transcription could mean:

But at the same time, improved accessibility could open content to millions of additional listeners and strengthen SiriusXM’s brand image.

What Happens Next in Court?

If the judge approves the extension request, the case will remain paused until at least April 21.

During this time, the parties will likely:

If mediation fails, litigation could restart quickly, potentially leading to:

Judge Jeannette Vargas Will Decide Whether to Extend the Stay

The decision now rests with Judge Jeannette Vargas, who has previously granted multiple stays in this case.

Given that both parties are jointly requesting the extension—and the court generally encourages settlements—it is widely expected the judge may approve the request unless there is a procedural concern.

Why This Case Reflects a Bigger Cultural Shift

Beyond the courtroom, the lawsuit reflects a major shift in how society views accessibility.

Deaf advocates argue that accessibility is not a “bonus feature,” but a fundamental right—especially as media consumption shifts away from traditional television captions and toward digital audio platforms.

Meanwhile, companies like SiriusXM are navigating:

The result is a growing wave of litigation and settlement negotiations shaping how digital media is built.

Key Takeaways

Here are the major developments in simple terms:

What This Means for Listeners and the Deaf Community

For everyday listeners, transcripts may seem like a convenience.

For deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans, transcripts can mean full access to:

If the case ends in a strong settlement, it could set a new accessibility benchmark for podcasting in the U.S.

Industry Outlook: Accessibility May Become the Standard

Whether through lawsuits, settlements, or consumer pressure, podcast transcription appears to be moving toward becoming a universal expectation.

In the same way that closed captions became standard for television, transcripts may become the default for:

This case may not create a final court precedent—but it could still influence how companies operate going forward.

FAQs

Why are SiriusXM and deaf advocates in court?

They are in court over whether SiriusXM must provide podcast transcripts to ensure accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing users.

What is the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)?

The NAD is a major advocacy organization that fights for civil rights and accessibility for deaf Americans.

What is the status of the lawsuit?

The case is currently paused while both sides participate in mediation and settlement talks.

When will the next mediation session happen?

The next mediation session is expected to occur on April 7.

Does SiriusXM currently provide transcripts?

SiriusXM has stated it now transcribes all English-language podcasts on its SiriusXM app, and plans to add similar transcription tools to Pandora.

What is SiriusXM’s main defense?

SiriusXM argues that the ADA applies only to physical places, not streaming apps or websites.

Final Thoughts: A Settlement Could Shape the Future of Podcast Accessibility

The SiriusXM vs. NAD lawsuit highlights an important and unresolved legal question: Should digital streaming platforms be treated like public accommodations under the ADA?

While courts have often leaned toward requiring physical locations, the modern world increasingly lives online—where media, commerce, education, and entertainment now exist primarily through apps.

If the parties reach a settlement, it could help expand accessibility without triggering a potentially disruptive court ruling.

But if negotiations fail, the lawsuit could return to full litigation—possibly creating a legal precedent that affects the entire podcast and streaming ecosystem.

For now, the next major date to watch is April 7, when the parties are expected to return to mediation.

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