FCC Sets New Rules on Minority Hiring

The Federal Communications Commission issued new rules Thursday aimed at increasing minority hiring by broadcasters.

The rules, which replace a 30-year-old equal employment opportunity (EEO) program that was struck down in 1998 as unconstitutional by the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, will require broadcasters to have outreach programs for hiring women and racial minorities. The firms must publicize openings to ensure that minorities and women hear about and can compete for the positions.

The FCC does not dictate a single method, though firms must produce an annual report on the results of their efforts. The FCC will not use a firm’s record to determine whether to renew broadcast licenses. Broadcasters had opposed any new rules requiring extensive record-keeping.

FCC Chairman William E. Kennard hailed the new initiative as “EEO rules for the 21st century.” He likened the issue to the controversy over the dearth of minority roles in network TV shows. “We wouldn’t be having this national dialogue if everything was copacetic. We have a problem.”