The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) refers to an independent U.S. government agency that oversees all interstate and international communications. The FCC maintains standards and consistency across various media types and communication methods, while also protecting the interests of consumers and businesses. It manages the allocation of cellular and wireless access, regulates media company mergers and acquisitions (M&A), safeguards intellectual property rights, and oversees content and distribution standards for all media companies operating in the U.S.
The FCC is accountable to the U.S. Congress and its actions are closely monitored by investors.
Key Takeaways
- The FCC is an independent U.S. government agency that answers to the United States Congress.
- The FCC oversees all interstate and international communications.
- It maintains standards and consistency among media types and communication methods while protecting consumers and businesses.
- The FCC is headed by a chair, who is one of five commissioners appointed by the President.
Understanding the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Established in 1934 as part of the Communications Act, the FCC is an independent agency accountable to the U.S. government. The agency’s reach extends across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and every U.S. territory.
The FCC is the key authority overseeing communications law, regulation, and innovation in the technology sector. Its mission is to advance the global communications industry by:
- Providing economic support to ensure healthy competition in the communications sector
- Revising media regulations to allow new technologies to thrive
- Promoting competition, innovation, and capital investment in broadband networks
- Strengthening national communication infrastructure
The agency is led by a chair, one of five commissioners appointed by the president. Each commissioner is confirmed by the Senate and serves a five-year term. The FCC’s staff, numbering around 1,500, work in various bureaus and offices focusing on different commission duties.
The FCC’s decisions impact public and private companies involved in communications, which is why its actions are closely watched by stock market investors. Because FCC regulations directly affect business lines, they can also influence investment values.
FCC Regulations
The FCC sets manufacturing standards for communications equipment, decency standards for radio and television broadcasts, and ensures competition in the market. The Office of Administrative Law Judges at the FCC hears disputes and issues decisions interpreting agency regulations.
The Enforcement Bureau is responsible for enforcing the Communications Act and FCC regulations. This bureau levies fines and initiates administrative judgments against violators, with fines sometimes reaching tens of millions of dollars.
FCC Approvals
The FCC’s rulemaking process involves what is called the
Related Terms: Communications Act of 1934, net neutrality, telecommunications, broadband, regulation, media standards, broadcasting.
References
- Federal Communication Commission. “Communications Act of 1934”.
- Britannica. “Communications Act of 1934”.
- Federal Communications Commission. “What We Do”.
- Federal Communications Commission. “Obscene, Profane and Indecent Broadcasts—OBINC”.
- Federal Communications Commission. “Rulemaking Process”.
- Congressional Research Service. “The Federal Communications Commission in the Biden Administration: Issues and New Directions”, Page 1.
- Federal Communications Commission. “Jessica Rosenworcel”.
- Congressional Research Service. “The Federal Communications Commission in the Biden Administration: Issues and New Directions”, Page 3.
- Congress.gov. “PN1362 — Brendan Carr — Federal Communications Commission”.
- Federal Communications Commission. “Brendan Carr”.
- Federal Communications Commission. “Nathan Simington”.
- Congress.gov. “PN2050 — Geoffrey Adam Starks — Federal Communications Commission”.
- Reuters. “Groups urge Biden to nominate FCC commissioner to speed net neutrality reinstatement”.
