Federal Communications Commission
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M Street NW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone, 202-418-0200; 888-225-5322 (toll-free). TDD, 202-632-6999; 888-
835-5322 (toll-free)
Chairman Reed E. Hundt
Commissioners Rachelle B. Chong, Susan Ness, James H. Quello,
(vacancy)
Managing Director Andrew S. Fishel
General Counsel William E. Kennard
Director, Office of Public Affairs Susan Lewis Sallet
Director, Office of Legislative and Karen Kornbluh
Intergovernmental Affairs
Chief, International Bureau Peter Cowhey
Inspector General H. Walker Feaster III
Chief, Office of Plans and Policy Robert M. Pepper
Chief, Office of Administrative Law Judges Joseph Stirmer
Chief, Mass Media Bureau Roy J. Stewart
Chief, Common Carrier Bureau Regina Keeney
Chief, Compliance and Information Bureau Beverly G. Baker
Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Michele Farquhar
Chief, Cable Services Bureau Meredith Jones
Director, Office of Communications Business Catherine Sandoval
Opportunities
Director, Office of Workplace Diversity Jack W. Gravely
Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology Richard M. Smith
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The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and foreign communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. It is responsible for
the orderly development and operation of broadcast services and the provision of rapid, efficient nationwide and worldwide telephone and telegraph services at reasonable rates. Its responsibilities also include the use of communications for promoting safety of life and property and for strengthening the national defense.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) to regulate interstate and foreign communications by wire and radio in the public interest. The Commission was assigned additional regulatory jurisdiction under the provisions of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (47 U.S.C. 701-744), and a major overhaul of the Communications Act of 1934 was enacted with passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-104, 110 Stat. 56). The scope of FCC regulation includes radio and television broadcasting; telephone, telegraph, and cable television operation; two-way radio and radio operators; and satellite communication.
The Commission is composed of five members, who are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. One of the members is designated by the President as Chairman.
The Commission's Office of the General Counsel reviews initial decisions, writes decisions, and assists the Commission and individual Commissioners in the disposition of matters arising in cases of adjudication, as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. note prec. 551), that have been designated for hearings. The Commission's administrative law judges, qualified and appointed pursuant to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, conduct evidentiary adjudicatory hearings and write initial decisions.
Activities
Mass Media The Mass Media Bureau administers the regulatory program for amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), television, low-
power TV, translators, multipoint distribution service (MDS), instructional TV, and auxiliary services. The Bureau issues construction permits, operating licenses, and renewals or transfers of such broadcast licenses except for broadcast auxiliary services. It also oversees compliance by broadcasters with statutes and Commission policies.
For further information, contact the Mass Media Bureau. Phone, 202-418-
2600.
Common Carrier Communications The Common Carrier Bureau administers the regulatory program for interstate common carrier communications by telephone. Common carriers include companies, organizations, or individuals providing communications services to the public for hire, who must serve all who wish to use them at established rates. In providing interstate communications services, common carriers may employ landline wire or electrical or optical cable facilities.
For further information, contact the Common Carrier Bureau. Phone, 202-
418-1500.
Wireless Telecommunications The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau administers all...
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