Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB8072

Introduced
4/18/24  
Refer
4/18/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The impact of HB8072 on state laws is significant as it seeks to amend existing frameworks concerning broadcasting ownership and control. It mandates the FCC to perform regular data collection and analysis on ownership diversity. The bill also establishes a tax certificate program which would provide financial incentives for broadcasts that further diversity in ownership. By potentially allowing certain sales of broadcast stations to be treated as non-recognized gains for tax purposes, it aims to mitigate financial barriers for socially disadvantaged individuals entering the broadcasting sector.

Summary

House Bill 8072, titled the 'Broadcast VOICES Act,' aims to promote diversity in the ownership of broadcasting stations across the United States. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement actions to enhance ownership opportunities for socially disadvantaged individuals, specifically minorities and women, who have traditionally been underrepresented in the broadcasting industry. This legislation seeks to create a more equitable broadcasting environment by addressing historical disparities in ownership through targeted initiatives and reports.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on increasing diversity in broadcasting, there are points of contention regarding its implementation and the effectiveness of tax incentives as a means to achieve these goals. Critics may argue that without proper oversight, the measures could be insufficient in ensuring lasting change within the industry. The challenge lies in balancing economic incentives with the genuine empowerment of diverse ownership, along with the operational integrity of the stations that will be affected.

Companion Bills

US SB4158

Same As Broadcast VOICES Act Broadcast Varied Ownership Incentives for Community Expanded Service Act

Previously Filed As

US SB4158

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

US HB3879

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

US AB2231

Public Broadcasting Act of 1975: emergency broadcasting grant program.

US HB2443

NPR and PBS Act No Partisan Radio and Partisan Broadcasting Services Act

US SB844

Redesignating Educational Broadcasting Authority as Educational Broadcasting Commission

US HB1632

NPR and PBS Act No Partisan Radio and Partisan Broadcasting Services Act

US SB4291

Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act of 2024

US HJR24

Fund Corporation For Public Broadcasting

US HR252

Recognizing a century of broadcasting excellence from WOWO and celebrating the radio station's 100th anniversary.

US SR96

Commends Tom Voinche, Jr., for fifty years in broadcasting.

Similar Bills

US SB4158

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

US HB3879

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

US SB1133

Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025

US HB861

American Music Fairness Act of 2025

US SB326

American Music Fairness Act

US SR152

A resolution designating April 2025 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" and recognizing the importance and significance of local news.

US SB315

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

US HB8449

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024