The Communications Act of 1934 is a landmark U.S. federal law that established the framework for regulating communications in the United States. Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Act created the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to oversee and regulate all interstate and international communications. This includes radio, television, wire (telephony), cable, and satellite communications.
Purpose of the Act:
The primary goal was to centralize and streamline communication regulations to promote widespread, reliable, and affordable access to communication services. It aimed to ensure that communication services served the “public interest, convenience, and necessity.”
Key Provisions of the Act:
- Creation of the FCC:
- Replaced the Federal Radio Commission (established in 1927) and expanded its scope to include all forms of communication.
- Regulation of Common Carriers:
- Telephone and telegraph companies were classified as “common carriers,” requiring them to provide services without discrimination and at reasonable rates.
- Broadcasting Regulations:
- Established rules for licensing and oversight of radio and television broadcasters.
- Required broadcasters to operate in the public interest.
- Interstate and International Oversight:
- Gave the FCC authority to regulate communications that cross state or national boundaries.
- Universal Service:
- Emphasized the importance of providing communication access to all Americans, including rural and underserved areas.
- Spectrum Management:
- Assigned responsibility for managing the electromagnetic spectrum to ensure fair and efficient use.
Evolution of the Act:
The Communications Act of 1934 has been amended over time to address technological advancements, including:
- The Telecommunications Act of 1996, which updated the law for the digital age, addressing the internet, media ownership, and competition in telecommunications.
The Act remains the foundation of U.S. telecommunications policy today.