FCC

[Clodfobble]

There is a process called normalization by which audio volumes become more uniform: the peaks get squashed, the quiet parts get made louder, all depending on what settings you use during the process. I have no idea if this concept is addressed in the new law, I'm just pointing out that if they wanted to, they could be broadcasting a version of CSI that didn't require you to adjust the volume on your TV constantly.

Conspiracy theories aside, they may simply be catering to the high-tech viewers, whose sound systems are crystal-clear enough that the whispered dialogue is still audible at some standard middle volume. Most people don't have the speakers or the living room acoustics for that, but the ones who do are often the ones with the money and desire to buy the super-duper movie packages, etc., so no one wants to drive that business away by offering lower-quality sound to appease the masses.