The Radio Act of 1927 - The Beginning of Broadcast Regulation

Regulation of radio began in 1910 when Congress passed modest legislation over the infant wireless communication industry. Following the development of broadcasting and a surge of growth during the 1920s, the Radio Act of 1927 was passed. The act created an independent commission to determine regulatory policy for broadcasting in the United States. The venerable Communications Act of 1934 expanded the powers of the agency and made the Federal Communications Commission the permanent body to determine regulatory policy of radio and television in the United States, subject to Congressional oversight.