FCC Rules & Regulations for Radio Stations

Radio station broadcasting is regulated by the FCC.

Radio stations are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission, an independent government agency of the United States that reports directly to Congress. The FCC cannot stop the broadcast of specific points of view because of freedom of expression laws, but radio stations and the material they broadcast are subject to certain restrictions and rules.

Licensing

Radio stations are required to have an FCC license to broadcast. The type of license is subject to whether or not a station operates commercially and other factors, such as whether it is operated, repaired and maintained.

Identification

Both radio and TV stations must broadcast identification announcements every hour, as close to the start of the hour as possible, and anytime they sign off or on for a day.

Advertising

Radio stations can largely chose the types and subject material of commercials to broadcast. However, commercials from political candidates during an election and advertisements aired during children’s programming must follow guidelines set forth by the Communications Act. In addition, federal law restricts stations from airing advertisements for cigarettes and other forms of tobacco.

Political Speech

The Communications Act requires radio stations to provide “reasonable access” to all candidates running for any federal elective office. This access must be available during all of a station’s normal broadcast schedule, with the only exception being during a bona fide news program. The equal opportunities provision of the Communications Act warns that if airtime is given to one candidate, equal airtime must also be given to opposing candidates upon request, and the station “shall have no power of censorship over the material broadcast.”

Contests

Radio stations conducting a contest must “fully and accurately disclose the material terms of the contest, and must conduct the contest substantially as announced or advertised,” according to the FCC’s website.

Promotion of Lawlessness

While freedom of speech protects much of what is aired during a broadcast, radio stations are prohibited from airing any speech or content that can incite illegal or lawless behavior in others.

Obscene, Indecent and Profane Content

Most obscene, indecent and profane programming is protected by freedom of speech laws. However, when content is aired during times that could potentially be heard by or affect children, such content can be regulated.

Employment

All licensed radio stations must meet federal laws by allowing equal opportunity in employment. However, religious stations can require “that some or all of their employees meet a religious qualification,” according to the FCC website.

References

• FCC: Broadcasting Rules and Regulations
• FCC: Radio and Television Broadcast Rules