Commissioner Clyburn Remarks at the Media Solutions Summit

In addition to the work needed on independent programming, we continue to fail miserably as a nation when it comes to the state of minority and women ownership in the broadcast space. The good news is that there is quantifiable data showing that a tax certificate program, can be a successful tool to combating the problem. During its 17 years of existence, the Federal Communications Commission’s Tax Certificate Program, successfully helped to bring numerous diverse entrepreneurs into the broadcast industry. Earlier in April, Rep GK Butterfield (D-NC) introduced the Expanding Broadcast Ownership Opportunities Act, legislation which would reinstate a tax certificate program and establish a pilot incubator program. I strongly support the goals of this bill and look forward to working with Rep Butterfield and other interested Members of Congress on legislation to improve the state of broadcast ownership diversity.

Finally, I am pleased to share that FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has announced his intent to charter the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment.