Media Contact: 
Paloma Perez
paloma.perez@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release 

STATEMENT OF ACTING CHAIRWOMAN JESSICA ROSENWORCEL ON RELEASE OF THE FIFTH BIENNIAL OWNERSHIP REPORT–
WASHINGTON, September 3, 2021—Today, the Federal Communication Commission’s Media Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics released the fifth biennial Form 323 and 323-E ownership report.  FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel issued the following statement.

“Today’s report provides data from 2019 that reflect the state of broadcast ownership in the United States.  As has been the case for too long, this data makes clear that women and people of color are underrepresented in license ownership.  This requires attention because what we see and hear over the public airwaves says so much about who we are as individuals, as communities, and as a Nation.  However, changes in the law, technology, and court decisions like FCC v. Prometheus Radio Project make addressing this complex.  But we have a charge to promote diversity under the Communications Act and we need to honor it.  That means it is essential that we identify ways we can encourage more diversity in this market, including reinstatement of the Minority Tax Certificate Program.

The next filing window for this data will open on October 1, 2021.  I have directed the Media Bureau to launch an outreach campaign to ensure full compliance with submission of Form 323.  This is important because there are small broadcasters who may not be included in the current data—and it is essential we get an accurate count.  I am hopeful that this outreach will provide a fuller picture of ownership in our next report.”
 
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).