Media

Quick Links

The Media Bureau oversees broadcast radio and television, as well as cable and satellite services on behalf of consumers.   It also administers licensing and policy matters for broadcast services and cable, and handles post-licensing matters for satellite services.

About

Leadership

     Michelle M. Carey

Michelle M. Carey
   Bureau Chief

 

 

Contact

[email protected]
Phone: (202) 418-7200
Fax: (202) 418-2376

[email protected]
Web page design or content

 

 

Media Headlines

More Headlines

MB Information Sheets

 

Issues and Initiatives

Political Programming

The Commission is responsible for political programming rules for radio, television, cable television and direct broadcast satellite (DBS).  The Bureau’s political programming staff is available to answer questions either by email, [email protected], or by phone, 202 418-1440.

Broadcast Radio and Television Licensing

The Bureau issues a variety of broadcast licenses.  The manual, How to Apply for a Radio or Television Broadcast Station, provides details on the different types.  The publication, The Public and Broadcasting, gives a history of the Commission’s rules and an overview of station requirements.

Cable Price Survey

Congress requires the Commission to publish an annual statistical report on average rates charged by cable operators for basic service, other cable programming and cable equipment.  A web-based electronic filing system is available for those required to fill out the survey.  The deadline for providing information for use in the 2016 report is December 20, 2016.

Biennial Ownership Reports

Every two years, broadcast stations are required to electronically file ownership reports with the Commission. The Bureau will begin accepting 2017 biennial ownership reports on Form 323 (commercial stations) and Form 323-E (noncommercial stations) on December 1, 2017. Broadcast licensees and other entities required to file biennial ownership reports on Form 323 or Form 323-E must file their 2017 reports by March 2, 2018.

Incentive Auction

The incentive auction will permit television broadcasters to voluntarily go off the air, share their spectrum or move channels in exchange for receiving part of the proceeds from auctioning that spectrum to wireless providers to support 21st century wireless broadband needs.

Competition Report

The Commission is required to annually report to Congress on the state of competition in the delivery of video programming.  The 18th Report categorizes entities that deliver video programming in one of three groups:  multi-channel video program distributors (MVPDs); broadcast stations; or online video distributors (OVDs).

Useful Links