Final answer:
A radio station license should be carried on board aircraft as required by the FCC because the public owns the airwaves. The FCC oversees and regulates these airwaves to prevent interference, which can affect the safety and efficacy of important equipment on airplanes and other environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, a radio station license should be carried on board during flight. Radio and television broadcasters must obtain a license from the government because, according to American law, the public owns the airwaves. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the agency responsible for issuing these licenses as well as overseeing and regulating airwaves. This licensing system helps to prevent interference between different communication systems, which can be crucial for maintaining safety and effectiveness of important equipment on airplanes. It is also important to note that mobile phones are sometimes required to be turned off or put into a non-communicative mode during flights to prevent interference with aviation equipment.
In the historical context, the number of professional and amateur radio stations grew quickly, leading to the need for more regulated and standardized control over frequencies and licensing with the establishment of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934. This was an evolution from the less structured early days of radio to a regulated system in which stations operate under specific guidelines and requirements.