Final answer:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates ham radios, along with other forms of interstate communications. The FCC's history reflects changes in regulation to prevent frequency conflicts, ensure public interest, and avoid media monopolies. In the 1990s, deregulation led to significant consolidation in the radio industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question about which character owns and operates a ham radio could potentially be answered in the context of a specific story or show wherein a character is depicted using such a radio. The ham radio is part of the amateur radio community which has been regulated historically by various government entities. Initially, there was minimal legislative oversight, but issues with overlapping frequencies led to the creation of the Radio Act in 1927, which formed the Federal Radio Commission (FRC). The FRC faced challenges in exerting its authority due to pressure from Congress and later was replaced by the more powerful Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with the Communications Act of 1934. The FCC to this day manages and regulates interstate communications, including amateur radio, landline telephones, and television broadcasting, ensuring compliance with national standards and preventing monopolistic control over media.
In the 1990s, deregulatory actions by Congress and the FCC eased ownership restrictions for radio stations, which somewhat marginalized the requirement to serve the "public interest," resulting in significant mergers and acquisitions of radio stations. Entities like Clear Channel Communications dramatically expanded their market presence, owning a vast network of stations across the United States. The FCC continues to enforce limitations on advertising, requires public forum facilitation, and mandates service to local communities and minority groups amongst radio licensees to maintain a diverse and accessible media landscape.