Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent regulatory body created by an act of the U.S. Congress on June 19, 1934. The Commission was established to regulate broadcasting and wired communication services in the United States, its possessions, and its territories. It reports directly to Congress. As of 2020, the FCC had approximately 1,450 employees and a projected annual budget of approximately $335 million. The agency typically offsets some of its operational cost through the collection of application processing fees and auctions. The FCC is charged with regulatory oversight of the nation’s broadcast, cable, satellite, and telecommunications services.

With the passage of the Communications Act of 1934, the newly formed commission became operational on July 11, 1934, and merged the regulatory responsibilities of the Federal ...