(Federal Communications Commission) The FCC is an independent federal regulatory agency responsible directly to Congress. Established by the Communications Act of 1934, it is charged with establishing policies to govern interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. Its jurisdiction covers the 50 states and territories, the District of Columbia and U.S. possessions. Five Commissioners direct it. They are each appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They serve staggered five-year terms. No more than three Commissioners can be members of the same political party. The President designates one of the Commissioners to serve as Chairman. The Chairman presides over all FCC meetings. The Chairman coordinates and organizes the work of the Commission and represents the agency in legislative matters and in relations with other government departments and agencies. The Commission is committed to the use of emerging technologies to serve its customers -- the American public and regulated industries -- more efficiently. It continues to expand its use of the Internet, which has become an increasingly popular way for the public to access information. The Mass Media Bureau is the part of the FCC that deals with broadcasting -- television and radio -- as well as Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) (sometimes called wireless cable) and Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS), a service used mainly by educational entities to provide classroom instruction to multiple locations. The Bureau issues licenses (authorization of service), performs policy and rulemaking functions and administers the enforcement program for all mass media services.