Bill · S. 2123· Senate(119-S-2123)
Broadcast VOICES Act
- Introduced
- 6/18/2025
- Last activity
- 6/18/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Gary Peters
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Broadcast VOICES Act," directs the FCC to take actions to increase diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry. It aims to increase the number and value of broadcast stations owned by socially disadvantaged individuals, which includes women and those subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice. The Act establishes a tax certificate program to encourage sales that result in or preserve such ownership. Additionally, it provides a tax credit for certain contributions made toward training socially disadvantaged individuals in station management. The Commission is also required to submit various reports to Congress regarding ownership data and recommendations.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would women be better off under this?+7
The bill explicitly targets women for increased broadcast station ownership.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+7
The bill provides incentives to increase ownership by individuals subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice.
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?+7
The bill explicitly includes women as a group eligible for ownership diversity incentives.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Ownership Diversity: The bill seeks to increase the total number and value of broadcast stations owned by socially disadvantaged individuals (Section 4(a)).
- Tax Incentives for Ownership Transitions: The creation of a tax certificate program allows for the nonrecognition of gain or loss during certain sales, which can facilitate the transfer of broadcast station interests to socially disadvantaged individuals (Section 5(a)(1) and Section 5(b)(1)).
- Support for Training and Management: A new tax credit is established for qualified contributions made to entities that train socially disadvantaged individuals in the management and operation of broadcast stations (Section 6(a)(1)).
- Enhanced Oversight and Data: The Commission is mandated to provide biennial reports to Congress regarding the number of stations owned by socially disadvantaged individuals and recommendations for increasing that number (Section 4(a) and 4(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Compliance Burdens for Buyers: Buyers of interests in broadcast stations must certify their compliance with specific rules every 180 days during a minimum holding period (Section 5(d)(5)(A)).
- Potential Tax Penalties for Non-compliance: If a taxpayer ceases to fulfill specific ownership or management requirements, the nonrecognition of gain or loss previously granted may be revoked (Section 5(b)(2)).
- Reporting Failures: If a buyer fails to make the required compliance certifications, the Commission is required to report that failure to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (Section 5(d)(5)(B)(i)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+7Good For African Americans+6Good For Asian Americans+6Good For Hispanic Americans+6Good For Native Americans+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+7Improves Racial Equity+7
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Capital Gains Tax+5
- 6/18/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii