Radio: Its Role in Serving the Public Interest
- UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Thomas R. Harding (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
- Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
Abstract: Radio provides a method of communication between widely separated points using a transmitter, electromagnetic waves which carry the sound, and a received. The United States government created an independent agency, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). in 1934 to regulate radio and other forms of transmissible communications. The Commission's purpose, as outlined in the Communications Act of 1934, is:"...to make available, so far as possible, to all people of the United States a rapid, efficient, nation-wide, and world-wide wire and radio communication service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges."Anyone broadcasting within the United States or any of its territories or possessions must be licensed by the FCC. Through its requirements for obtaining a license, the Commission influences what information or other programming is broadcast. Although the FCC has no power of censorship, it has made strong efforts to see that broadcasters serve the public interest. Since limits exist on the number of radio frequencies, geographic locations of stations, and possible transmitter power, some regulation of broadcasting is necessary. And the First Amendment court decisions have supported the FCC's power to treat the airwaves differently from the print media by spelling out the need to serve the interests of the listening audience.
Radio: Its Role in Serving the Public Interest
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Created on 5/11/1979
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Language: English
- Date: 1979
- Keywords
- Radio, Transmitter, Federal Communications Commission, Communications Act of 1934, Censorship, Radio Frequency, Airwaves,