Bills · HR 3879
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3879Science, Technology, Communications
Broadcast VOICES Act
INTRO JUN 10· LAST ACTION JUN 10
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it seeks to influence who owns the radio and television stations that shape public discourse and provide local news and entertainment. Currently, a small percentage of broadcast stations are owned by women or minority groups. If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more varied perspectives and voices on the airwaves, potentially enriching local communities with programming that better reflects their diverse populations.
Without this bill, the current trends in broadcast ownership diversity are likely to continue, with limited representation. If passed, the tax certificate program could provide a significant financial incentive for current station owners to sell to diverse buyers, and for investors to support these stations. This could genuinely shift the landscape of media ownership over time, potentially leading to more community-focused content, different types of news coverage, and a broader range of cultural programming, directly impacting what people see and hear on their TVs and radios.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the FCC to submit biennial (every two years) reports to Congress with recommendations on how to increase the number and value of broadcast stations owned by "socially disadvantaged individuals."
This provision ensures ongoing focus and strategic planning from the FCC to address broadcast ownership diversity.
PROVISION 02
Establishes a tax certificate program for certain sales of broadcast stations that result in or preserve ownership by socially disadvantaged individuals, or for investors selling their interest in such stations.
This creates a direct financial incentive (via the certificate, which implies tax benefits) to promote diverse ownership.
PROVISION 03
Defines "socially disadvantaged individuals" for the purpose of the program as women or individuals who have faced racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias because of their group identity.
This clearly identifies the target beneficiaries of the program.
PROVISION 04
Directs the FCC to establish rules for the tax certificate program, including a maximum sale value of $50 million, a 2-3 year minimum holding period for diverse ownership, and requirements for participation in station management.
These rules ensure the program is structured to achieve its goals while preventing potential misuse or abuse.
PROVISION 05
Requires the buyer of a station receiving a tax certificate to certify compliance with the rules every 180 days during the holding period, and directs the FCC to report failures to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
This creates an enforcement mechanism to ensure the longevity and integrity of the diverse ownership status.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· Nevada
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
33
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 2 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUN 10
Introduced in House
JUN 10
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3879
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJun 10, 2025
Last actionJun 10, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUN 10, 2025
House BillHR 3879Science, Technology, Communications
Broadcast VOICES Act
INTRODUCED JUN 10, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 10, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
