This bill would add a new Section 14 to the Communications Act of 1934. It says the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cannot revoke a broadcast license or take other action against a person because of viewpoints the person or their affiliates broadcast or share. The bill also says the FCC cannot put conditions on certain transaction approvals (including parts of section 214 and section 310(d)) that relate to viewpoints broadcast by the parties. The bill lists exceptions: it does not limit FCC action for violations of certain federal criminal statutes (18 U.S.C. 1304, 1343, 1464) or for broadcasts that meet the First Amendment standard for incitement. The bill includes findings that stress the FCC's independent status and say investigations or threats should not be used to suppress viewpoints.
If you hold or apply for a broadcast license, the FCC generally could not punish you or add approval conditions because of the views you or your affiliates express on air. During reviews of transactions like transfers of control or certain authorizations, the FCC could not require conditions based on the parties' viewpoints. The FCC could still act if the content involves the listed criminal statutes or qualifies as incitement under the First Amendment.
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The bill's findings say supporters want to protect the FCC's independence and prevent investigations or threats from being used to suppress certain viewpoints or intimidate broadcasters. The text frames the change as a measure to make sure the FCC sets its own priorities without undue influence.
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