FCC (DC) Snapshot
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The Communications Act of 1934 established the FCC as an independent US government agency directly responsible to Congress. Its jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US possessions. The President appoints and the Senate confirms the five commissioners who direct the FCC; only three of them can belong to the same political party. The President also designates one of the commissioners to serve as chairperson. There are seven operating bureaus and 10 staff offices within the FCC.