ABSTRACT
Primary responsibility for regulation of electronic mass media belongs to the FCC. The FCC has executive, legislative, and judicial functions. It performs the duties specified in the Communications Act, it makes rules and regulations, and it holds hearings, weighs evidence, and renders decisions on certain disputed matters. Section 303 of the Communications Act spells out the general powers of the FCC. Section 317 of the Communications Act requires identification of sponsors and advertisers. Section 315 of the Communications Act contains the equal opportunities requirement. The Communications Act’s Section 307(b) provides for the “fair, efficient, and equitable distribution of radio service to each” state and community. Section 325 of the Communications Act prohibits willful transmission of false distress signals. In 1996 Congress amended Section 303 of the Communications Act to require a TV program rating system.
