Contact Congress about S. 867: Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025

Broadcasters and related companies could not lose FCC approvals or licenses because of the views they air. The bill also blocks the FCC from attaching viewpoint-based terms to some deals. The FCC would still keep power over certain illegal broadcasts and unprotected incitement.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025 is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Latest action on S. 867: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects broadcasters and communications companies that depend on the FCC for licenses, approvals, or transaction reviews. It also matters to corporate affiliates and future owners tied to those businesses, because the bill protects their viewpoints too. News and commentary programs could feel the effects if companies become less worried about FCC backlash over lawful opinions. The public could see changes in what viewpoints appear on air, depending on how the FCC and courts apply the bill.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it would make it harder for the FCC to use licensing and deal approvals to pressure lawful speech. That could give broadcasters and media companies more room to air controversial views without fearing regulatory payback. At the same time, the bill keeps FCC power over some illegal content, so it does not remove all content rules. The biggest open question is how courts and the FCC would separate banned viewpoint-based action from other kinds of enforcement the law still allows.

Key provisions in S. 867

• Adds a new section called "Viewpoint Protection" to Title I of the Communications Act of 1934.
• Stops the FCC from revoking licenses, denying authorizations, or taking other action because of someone's viewpoints. That rule applies even if viewpoint is only part of the reason.
• Blocks the FCC from adding viewpoint-related terms to approvals under Communications Act section 214(a) through (c) and section 310(d). Those are the parts of the law the FCC uses to review some line transfers and broadcast license transfers.
• Makes clear the rule covers the views of the applicant, any future owner or successor, and affiliated people or companies.
• Keeps FCC power when a broadcast breaks certain federal criminal laws. Those laws cover some gambling ads, wire fraud, and obscene, indecent, or profane material over radio, including similar conduct through broadcasting.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 867

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 867

What is S. 867?

Broadcasters and related companies could not lose FCC approvals or licenses because of the views they air. The bill also blocks the FCC from attaching viewpoint-based terms to some deals. The FCC would still keep power over certain illegal broadcasts and unprotected incitement.

How do I support or oppose S. 867?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 867?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 867 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.