1. Lecture 10: FCC Organization, Power and Structure
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Communication and Law
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2. I. FCC Background
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency
Established by The Communications Act of 1934
Is directly responsible to Congress
In charge of regulating communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable
Jurisdiction covers the 50 States and territories.
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3. II. FCC Organization
The Chairman delegates management and administrative responsibility to the Managing Director. The Commissioners supervise all FCC activities, delegating responsibilities to staff units and Bureaus.
The FCC’s staff is organized by function.
6 operating Bureaus and 11 Staff Offices
Bureaus process applications for licenses and other filings, analyze complaints, conduct investigations, develop and implement regulatory programs, and participate in hearings, etc.
The Offices provide support services.
Bureaus and Offices regularly join forces and share expertise in addressing FCC issues.
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4. II. FCC Commissioners
Five commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate
Serve staggered 5-year terms (except when filling an unexpired term).
The President designates one of the Commissioners to serve as Chairperson.
Only three Commissioners may be members of the same political party.
None of them can have a financial interest in any Commission-related business.
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5. II. FCC Commissioners Michael Powell (1997-2002)
Kathleen Q. Abernathy ( )
Michael J. Copps ( )
Kevin J. Martin ( )
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6. III. Power of the FCC
Allocate bands and frequencies of the spectrum to specific broadcast services
Assign individual frequencies
Decide times of operation
Establish areas to be served by stations
Regulate equipment and technology
Prevent interference
Levy fines upon and/or suspend licenses of any station which breaks state or federal rules or statutes or broadcasts obscene communications
Make rules and regulations
Require licensees to keep records
Regulate cable
Regulate common carriers (telephone service)
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7. IV. FCC Bureaus The Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau:
FCC's primary link to telecommunications consumers; addresses all types of consumer-related matters from answering questions and responding to consumer complaints to distributing consumer education materials.
The Enforcement Bureau:
Enforces FCC rules, orders and authorizations.
The International Bureau:
Administers the FCC's international telecommunications policies and obligations and enhances the competitiveness of U.S. industry domestically and abroad.
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8. IV. FCC Bureaus (con’t) The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau:
Handles all FCC domestic wireless telecommunications programs and policies, except those involving satellite communications broadcasting, including licensing, enforcement, and regulatory functions.
The Wireline Competition Bureau:
Responsible for administering the FCC's policies concerning telephone companies that provide long distance and local service to consumers.
The Media Bureau:
Develops, recommends and administers the policy and licensing programs relating to electronic media, including cable television, broadcast television and radio in the United States and its territories.
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9. V. FCC Offices The Office of Administrative Law Judges:
Composed of judges who preside over hearings and issue initial decisions
The Office of Communication Business Opportunities:
Promotes telecommunications business opportunities for small, minority and female-owned communication businesses.
The Office of Engineering and Technology:
Advises the FCC on engineering matters
The Office of the General Counsel:
FCC’s chief legal advisor
The Office of the Inspector General:
Conducts and supervises audits and investigations relating to FCC programs and operations
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10. V. FCC Offices (con’t) The Office of Legislative Affairs:
Acts as liaison between the FCC and Congress, other federal agencies, and state and local governments
The Office of the Managing Director:
Responsible for activities involving the administration and management of the Federal Communications Commission
The Office of Media Relations:
Interacts with members of the news media
The Office of Plans and Policy:
Assists, advises, and makes recommendations to the FCC with respect to the development and implementation of communications policies in all areas of FCC authority and responsibility, particularly those that cross traditional industry and institutional boundaries
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11. V. FCC Offices (con’t) The Office of the Secretary:
Facilitates the FCC’s decision-making process by: maintaining materials for the Commission's open, circulate and closed meetings; giving effective legal notice of Commission decisions through publications in the Federal Register and FCC Record; processing all docketed and non-docketed filings that FCC receives in paper, electronic, and alternative media formats; making recommendations to streamline the FCC's workflow through the use of electronic information management systems; and administering the FCC Library’s collection of the FCC’s records.
The Office of Workplace Diversity
Promotes and ensures that the FCC provides employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age. disability or sexual preference.
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12. ‘Junk faxes’ spur record $5.4 million fine
August 7, 2002 Posted: 4:40 PM EDT (2040 GMT)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Communications Commission issued a record fine of nearly $5.4 million Wednesday against a company for sending "junk faxes" to businesses and consumers.
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