Final answer:
To get the FCC to allow a broadcast station, one must apply for a license and meet various criteria, including adhering to rules about limiting advertising, serving communities, diversity ownership, and public decency standards. The FCC issues licenses to ensure 'the public interest, convenience, or necessity' and regulates indecent material, political ads, and children's programming.
Step-by-step explanation:
To obtain a license for a broadcast station from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), one must understand the various responsibilities and regulations that the agency enforces. The FCC, which operates under the authority of the Communications Act of 1934, is tasked with regulating all interstate and international communications originating or terminating in the United States. The process of getting the FCC to allow one a station involves adhering to a stringent set of criteria that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Assigning frequency, power, and call signs for radio stations.
- Allocating spectrum space for radio and television broadcast services.
- Regulating material deemed indecent or illegal, and enforcing rules regarding children's programming and political campaign advertising.
- Ensuring diversity of ownership to prevent monopolies within media markets.
- Meeting the equal-time rule for political candidates.
Broadcasters must apply for licenses that are granted based on 'the public interest, convenience, or necessity.' The FCC reviews these applications and can issue licenses if the station agrees to follow rules about limiting advertising, providing a public forum for discussion, and serving local and minority communities. Should a broadcaster violate public decency standards, the FCC has the power to fine or even revoke their license.