Governmental unit that oversees the communications industry. Its chairperson and members are appointed by the president, subject to congressional approval. The Commission began with the Communications Act of 1934, which reorganized the previous Federal Radio Commission. Although the importance and activity of the FCC varies, its stance towards telecommimications and broadcasting industries has remained constant: it protects the ability of business to utilize public airwaves for profit. While its charter demands that it protect the public interest and access to its airwaves, in effect, the FCC has favored corporate conglomeration in allocating broadcasting licenses and decisions not to ensure a growing place on the broadcasting spectrum for public and educational broadcasting. Currently, the FCC, while fining disc jockeys like Howard Stern for obscenity is also involved in trying to assert “decency” on the Internet. Such endeavors again might promote larger corporate interests.