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History The Federal Communications Commission, the FCC, which was developed in 1934 with the passing of the Communications Act, regulates all communication by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. In 1996 the Telecommunications Act was developed in an effort to promote more competition in the media industry. Modern media started off with only two categories: Telecommunications and Print Media. Today Media is categorized into many different divisions each controlled by a different bureau. For example, AM and FM radio is governed by the Mass Media Bureau while Domestic Commercial and Private wireless communications are governed by the Wire Less Telecommunications Bureau. Media law often overlaps with civil rights because one of those rights is the freedom of speech. This freedom includes both spoken and written word (i.e. newspapers, books and magazines, as well as music, theater, and other forms or art). Censorship occurs when the media filters or alters a broadcast or publication before it reaches the general public and, in some cases of censorship, it never does. Laws on censorship vary depending on the forum and location, or distribution area, of the publication or broadcast. While some forms of censorship exist, like in censoring pornography material from minors, our government cannot legally begin to censor all items in the media because it can conflict with our civil rights. Continued... By Jeanne Rongitsch