The (US) Federal Communications Commission

The main purpose for the existence of the Federal Communications Commission's licensing system is to protect the public interest. The licensing of television and radio stations ensures that the electromagnetic broadcast spectrum, which is a scarce resource, is properly distributed to those that can best operate the facilities while providing programming that is of interest to all. The application of a broadcast license involves many steps and it varies for FM and AM radio stations. …

…seeks to ensure that the public interest is always being served. The rules for such applications were established with the Communications Act of 1934 and continue to remain in effect today. While certain additions and changes have been made in the process since the original writing, the foresight and prudence of the act and its application process has served the public and its interests well and will continue to serve the public commendably in the future.