Broadcast VOICES Act Introduced in U.S. House, Senate

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 23, 2024

U.S. Congress

Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) recently introduced H.R.8072, Broadcast VOICES Act, in the House and Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the legislation in the Senate, S.4158. The bill would direct the FCC to take certain actions to increase diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry, and for other purposes. It would reestablish a diversity tax certificate program to incentivize capital investment in women and minority-owned stations, as well as investment in the sale of stations to women and minority purchasers, throughout the broadcast industry.

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said in a statement, "Reinstating the diversity tax certificate program is a meaningful step to level the playing field and amplify underrepresented voices in media. NAB has long been committed to access to capital initiatives that expand radio and television station ownership opportunities, particularly for women and people of color.

"A tax incentive program is a proven solution that significantly diversified the ranks of broadcast owners over its nearly two decades of existence. Broadcasters thank Sen. Peters and Rep. Horsford for introducing legislation that would reinstate the program and we urge swift passage of this important bill."