Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Definition

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the U.S. government responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. Established in 1934, the FCC plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and credibility within the media landscape while also addressing issues related to obscenity, indecency, and profanity in broadcasting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The FCC is tasked with enforcing laws that regulate what can be broadcasted on public airwaves, focusing on preventing harmful or offensive content.
2. It conducts investigations and imposes fines for violations of broadcasting rules, especially concerning indecent or obscene material.
3. The commission has the authority to revoke broadcasting licenses if a station consistently violates FCC regulations.
4. The FCC also promotes competition among service providers to ensure diverse and credible media options for consumers.
5. Public participation is encouraged in FCC proceedings, allowing citizens to voice their opinions on media regulation and content standards.

Review Questions

• How does the FCC promote accountability and credibility among broadcasters?
  • The FCC promotes accountability and credibility by enforcing regulations that broadcasters must follow. It sets standards for content that prevent misleading information and harmful material from being aired. By holding broadcasters accountable through fines and potential license revocations for violations, the FCC helps maintain public trust in media sources.
• What are the key elements of obscenity and indecency regulations enforced by the FCC?
  • The key elements of obscenity and indecency regulations enforced by the FCC include defining what constitutes obscene material as completely unacceptable for broadcast at any time. Indecency is defined as content that depicts sexual or excretory organs or activities in a manner offensive to contemporary community standards. The FCC uses these definitions to monitor broadcasts and can impose penalties when violations occur, particularly during hours when children are likely to be watching.
• Evaluate the impact of the FCC's regulation on public broadcasting standards and community access to diverse media content.
  • The FCC's regulation significantly impacts public broadcasting standards by ensuring that content adheres to guidelines that reflect community values. By enforcing rules against obscenity and indecency, the FCC maintains a level of decency in programming, which can enhance public confidence in broadcast media. Furthermore, its efforts to promote competition among providers encourage diversity in available media content, thereby empowering communities with a variety of viewpoints and voices that reflect their interests.

Related terms

Broadcasting: The transmission of audio or video content to a dispersed audience via any electronic mass communications medium, typically using radio waves.

Communications Act of 1934: A significant piece of legislation that established the FCC and laid the groundwork for regulating communications in the United States.

Decency Standards: Regulations set by the FCC that define acceptable content in broadcasting, particularly regarding language and themes that may be considered offensive.