**GAO-08-383**                      Published: Mar 12, 2008. Publicly Released: Apr 11, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

The media industry plays an important role in educating and entertaining the public. While the media industry provides the public with many national choices, media outlets located in a local market are more likely to provide local programs that meet the needs of residents in the market compared to national outlets. This report reviews (1) the number and ownership of various media outlets; (2) the level of minority- and women-owned broadcast outlets; (3) the influence of economic, legal and regulatory, and technological factors on the number and ownership of media outlets; and (4) stakeholders' opinions on modifying certain media ownership laws and regulations. GAO conducted case studies of 16 randomly sampled markets, stratified by population. GAO also interviewed officials from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of Commerce, trade associations, and the industry. Finally, GAO reviewed FCC's forms, processes, and reports.

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## Topics

Business Regulation and Consumer Protection

BroadcastingCompetitionCooperative agreementsData collectionData integrityEconomic analysisEconomic developmentFederal lawFederal regulationsMass mediaMinoritiesMinority businessesProgram evaluationRadioReporting requirementsRisk factorsStandards evaluationStrategic planningTelevisionWomenWomen-owned businessesProgram goals or objectives