S 55 · 98th Congress · Science, Technology, Communications

Broadcast Deregulation Act of 1983

Introduced 1983-01-26· Sponsored by Sen. Goldwater, Barry [R-AZ]· Senate

Bill Progress

Introduced
Committee
Senate Vote
4
House
5
Enacted
Latest: Referred to Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Consumer Protection and Finance.(1983-02-25)

Plain Language Summary

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Broadcast Deregulation Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from regulating the programming of radio broadcast station licensees. Directs the FCC to renew a broadcast station's license if the station has not seriously violated the Communications Act and, with respect to television stations, the licensee has substantially met the needs of residents of its service area. Prohibits the FCC, when acting on a license renewal application, from considering the license application of another person for the same facilities. Directs the FCC, consistent with sound spectrum management, to encourage the introduction of new and additional services. Requires the FCC, in acting upon applications for such services, to presume the services are in the public interest whenever providing them is technically feasible without causing significant technical degradation to, or interference with, radio transmissions by other licensees. Sets forth a schedule of fees to be charged by the FCC for specified administrative services. Authorizes the FCC to increase or decrease the charges annually. Authorizes the FCC to impose penalty fees and to…

Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only

Cosponsors (12)

6 Democrats6 Republicans