Horsford Introduces the Broadcast VOICES Act to Enhance Diversity in Broadcasting Ownership

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced the Broadcast Varied Ownership Incentives for Community Expanded Service (VOICES) Act. The legislation will increase diversity among owners in the broadcasting industry by restoring mechanisms that encourage investment in broadcast stations owned by minorities and women. It will be introduced in the Senate by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI).

“It’s essential that our media landscape reflects the diversity of the communities they serve,” said Congressman Horsford. “The Broadcast VOICES Act will re-open doors that have been shut for too long, giving more women and people of color in Nevada and around the country the chance to lead. I’m proud of our work to empower underrepresented voices to tell their own stories and shape our local and national discourse.”

“Broadcasters play an essential role in connecting our communities and elevating the unique perspectives of Americans throughout our country. It’s important that we have a broad range of voices and leaders in the industry,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to again lead this bill to encourage more investment in minority-owned stations and boost diversity in American television and radio.” 

“The Nevada Broadcasters Association has long supported Congressman Horsford's efforts to pass the Broadcast VOICES Act,” said Mitch Fox, President and CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association. “We believe this bill will encourage broadcast ownership diversity and we will, once again, make this measure one of our top legislative priorities.”

“Reinstating the diversity tax certificate program is a meaningful step to level the playing field and amplify underrepresented voices in media,” said Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Broadcasters Association (NAB). “NAB has long been committed to access to capital initiatives that expand radio and television station ownership opportunities, particularly for women and people of color. A tax incentive program is a proven solution that significantly diversified the ranks of broadcast owners over its nearly two decades of existence. Broadcasters thank Sen. Peters and Rep. Horsford for introducing legislation that would reinstate the program and we urge swift passage of this important bill.”

“Backing Congressman Horsford's Broadcast VOICES Act is a key step in empowering minority ownership in Nevada's broadcast industry,” said Sylvia Banderas Coffinet, CEO of Latino Media Network. “In a state where Latinos make up nearly 30% of the population, their presence in media ownership is vital for genuine representation. This bill opens doors and encourages minority ownership, leading to a media landscape that truly reflects our diverse society. By embracing diverse voices, we build stronger connections, deepen understanding, and pave the way for a more unified and prosperous future.”

“The Broadcast VOICES Act would restore and improve upon the FCC’s former Tax Certificate Policy, which from 1978-1995 quintupled minority broadcast station ownership,” said Robert Branson, President and CEO of the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC). “The proposed new statute is fiscally responsible, nonpartisan, and race neutral.  It deserves expedited consideration.”

“NABOB/USBC is pleased to support Congressman Horsford’s introduction of the Broadcast VOICES Act to address the lack of diversity of ownership in the broadcast radio and television industries,” said Jim Winston, President of the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, a division of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (NABOB/USBC). “The lack of ownership in these industries for people of color is a national problem which leaves the voices of a huge section of our population unheard over the nation’s broadcast media, except when permitted by others. NABOB/USBC has been seeking restoration of the tax certificate program since its elimination by Congress in 1995. This tax certificate policy helped to significantly increase minority broadcast station ownership from 1978 to 1995, and we are grateful to Congressman Horsford for taking the first step toward its restoration.”

The Broadcast VOICES Act would reinstate the Minority Tax Certificate Program, which had significantly contributed to increasing minority ownership in broadcast media from 1978 to 1995. The program enabled the issuance of 287 radio and 40 television station certificates, increasing minority and women-owned station ownership by over 550%. Despite its success, the program was repealed in 1995. As of 2021, less than 6% of commercial broadcast television stations were owned by women and less than 4% are minority-owned.

Under this legislation, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would once again issue these tax certificates to facilitate sales of broadcast stations to socially disadvantaged individuals. It would also mandate annual FCC reports to Congress to recommend ways to further enhance ownership diversity.

Additionally, the act introduces a new tax credit for current broadcast owners who donate their stations to train individuals new to managing and operating broadcast stations. This credit aims to rectify past imbalances and ensure continued support and growth for the next generation of the media profession.

The Broadcast VOICES Act is supported by the National Urban League, the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, the Hispanic Federation, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council.

The full text of the bill can be found here.