Bills · S 2123
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2123Science, Technology, Communications
Broadcast VOICES Act
INTRO JUN 18· LAST ACTION JUN 18
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
6
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a long-standing issue of a lack of diversity in broadcast media ownership. Current data shows that women and minority groups own a very small percentage of broadcast stations, which can limit the variety of voices and perspectives heard on air. If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more varied local programming and news coverage, potentially better reflecting a broader range of community interests and experiences.
If the bill passes, it reintroduces a mechanism (the tax certificate program) that previously existed and was credited with increasing diverse ownership in the past. This could help level the playing field for individuals from underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in the broadcasting industry. If it doesn't pass, the current trends of limited diversity in broadcast ownership are likely to continue, potentially reinforcing existing disparities in media representation and access to media ownership.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a tax certificate program for broadcast station sales that either create or preserve ownership by socially disadvantaged individuals.
This is the primary incentive mechanism designed to encourage increased diversity in broadcast ownership.
PROVISION 02
Defines "socially disadvantaged individual" to include women and individuals subjected to racial, ethnic, or cultural bias.
This clearly outlines who the bill intends to benefit through the ownership incentives.
PROVISION 03
Directs the FCC to submit biennial reports to Congress, including recommendations for increasing diverse ownership and data on existing diverse ownership.
These reports ensure ongoing oversight, data collection, and strategic planning for achieving the bill's goals.
PROVISION 04
Requires the FCC to set rules for the tax certificate program, including a $50 million limit on sale value and a 2-3 year minimum ownership holding period.
These rules prevent abuse and ensure the program targets sales of reasonable value while promoting sustained diverse ownership.
PROVISION 05
Mandates buyer certification of compliance with ownership rules and requires the FCC to report failures to certify to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
This provision provides an enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance and prevent misuse of the tax certificate benefits.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 6
D· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
84
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 6 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUN 18
Introduced in Senate
JUN 18
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2123
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJun 18, 2025
Last actionJun 18, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · FINANCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUN 18, 2025
Senate BillS 2123Science, Technology, Communications
Broadcast VOICES Act
INTRODUCED JUN 18, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 18, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
6
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
