Q: Why is there such a long delay of the closed captioning during live TV broadcasts? Surely voice recognition software or someone typing could keep up better than what we see. During the Falcons game, the delay was an average of 10 seconds.

By Lori Johnston

For the AJC

Q: Why is there such a long delay of the closed captioning during live TV broadcasts? Surely voice recognition software or someone typing could keep up better than what we see. During the Falcons game, the delay was an average of 10 seconds.

—Tom Cotton, Senoia

A: With pre-produced programs, closed captioning can be imbedded early. Since many news stories are either done “live” or are finished seconds before they hit the air, even a court stenographer couldn't keep up with that pace, said David Hazinski, associate professor and head of the broadcast news department in the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. This same issue would apply for a Falcons game. He is not aware of voice recognition software that can keep up without a delay.

Q: Why has there been relatively no mention of all the challenges that Kevin Gillespie from Woodfire Grill has won on “Top Chef?” While I realize the winner cannot be announced until the final episode airs, it seems the AJC would keep everyone updated on the weekly progress of Gillespie and other local chefs in this competition.

—Judy Harris, Atlanta

A: Gillespie has won four out of 10 elimination challenges, the most of any contestant. Eli Kirshtein of Eno Restaurant and Wine Bar also remains in the competition. The AJC’s John Kessler provides recaps at http://blogs.ajc.com/food-and-more/ after each week’s episode.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).