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Bill > S2123


US S2123

US S2123
Broadcast VOICES Act Broadcast Varied Ownership Incentives for Community Expanded Service Act


summary

Introduced
06/18/2025
In Committee
06/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

119th Congress

Bill Summary

A bill to direct the Federal Communications Commission to take certain actions to increase diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry, and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill aims to increase diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry by establishing a new tax certificate program and reporting requirements for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The bill creates a framework for issuing tax certificates to individuals from socially disadvantaged groups (defined as women or individuals who have experienced racial, ethnic, or cultural prejudice) when they buy or sell broadcast stations. The FCC will be required to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing the number of broadcast stations owned by socially disadvantaged individuals and recommending ways to increase that number. The current ownership data is stark: as of 2023, only 5% of commercial television stations and less than 4% of radio stations are minority-owned, with women owning approximately 10% of FM radio stations. The bill establishes rules for these tax certificates, including a $50 million sale value limit, a minimum 2-3 year holding period for stations, and requirements for continued management by socially disadvantaged individuals. Additionally, the bill creates a tax credit for contributions of broadcast stations to entities that train socially disadvantaged individuals in station management. The program has a 16-year sunset provision and is modeled after a previous minority tax certificate program that operated from 1978 to 1995, during which 287 radio and 40 television station certificates were issued.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (on 06/18/2025)

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