Summary

GAO reviewed the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) new rule on promoting diversification of ownership on the broadcasting services. GAO found that (1) the final rule expands opportunities for participation in the broadcasting industry by new entrants, small businesses, including minority- and women-owned small businesses, allows eligible entities acquiring and expiring construction permit additional time to build the facility, modifies the equity/debt plus attribution standard, and bars discrimination on the basis of race, or gender; and (2) FCC complied with the applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.