Federal Communications Commission

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States federal government, established by the Communications Act of 1934. It is governed by commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, with leadership designated as Chair. The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. Its responsibilities include licensing spectrum use, allocating frequencies, administering rules for broadcasters and telecommunications carriers, and overseeing certain consumer-protection and equipment-authorization matters. It also manages programs that support communications access. The Commission acts through rulemakings, licensing decisions, and enforcement actions; its authority derives from statute and its decisions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight.