FCC Issues Report on Broadcast Station Ownership and Schedules Symposium

Using data compiled from the 2021 biennial ownership reports filed by broadcast stations, the FCC has issued its Sixth Report on Broadcast Station Ownership. The report covers commercial and noncommercial stations in five broadcast services—full power television, Class A television, low power television, AM radio, and FM radio.  While the report captures a “snapshot” of data on race, ethnicity and majority ownership across owners of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, it also provides insight into the status of minority and female ownership in the broadcast industry as of October 1, 2021.  The FCC publishes these summaries for the benefit of the public, Congress, and the Commission because they provide an insight into the ownership of broadcast stations, that could be relevant to the Commission’s policymaking as well as used by interested parties.

The FCC has also scheduled a Media Ownership Diversity Symposium on February 7, 2023 to explore the challenges as well as possible creative solutions to increasing ownership opportunities for women and people of color to achieve success and viewpoint diversity in all facets of media – TV, radio, cable, and streaming.  Several experts from both large and small media companies, research entities, thought leaders, and advertising/marketing companies will participate.  Discussion areas included (i) Competitive Hurdles for Minorities in Media, (ii) Grooming Next-Gen Minority Leaders, CEOs & Owners, and (iii) Show Me the Money: Access to Capital, Investors and Ad Dollars for Diverse Owners.  The symposium will be live streamed.