This collection of information for the general readership dispels the confusion about the mission of the FCC, its authority, and its activities. It starts with a brief history, beginning during the New Deal, continuing through the new days of cable. It describes the commission's organization and procedures, the political environment surrounding it, notable controversies in telephone and mass media regulation, biographies of the current commissioners, annotated Supreme Court decisions from 1930 to 2004, and a chronology of key events. Appendices include a list of case law on a variety of issues, including the breakup of the Bell system and indecency rulings.

Reference & Research Book News

[S]uitable for college or high school students researching FOC matters, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about the agency….[a] useful book if you are involved in teaching broadcast regulation or want to understand the workings of the commission on a broad scope.

Radio World

[A] nuts-and-bolts look at the agency, a history of its evolution and a survey of its controversial and important cases - including Howard Stern, the fairness doctrine and questions of how far any government agency should go in regulating content. The book is more textbook than opinion or advocacy, which serves the reader well in understanding why the commission has taken certain actions and not others. It is not authorized, for instance, to initiate complaints against any broadcasters. It can act only on complaints it receives from the public. Moreover, while the FCC is an independent agency, the Zarkins explain how it often reflects Congress and the President….The book isn't always a breezy read. But it's a valuable one.

Daily News