What is the primary function of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?

The primary function of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is to license and regulate interstate and foreign communications. This encompasses a wide range of communication mediums such as radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC plays a crucial role in ensuring that communication services are made available to all citizens, thereby promoting competition, innovation, and public safety in communication networks. Their responsibilities also include administering policies that affect the transmission of information across state and national lines, which is vital for the functioning of a connected society.

This focus on regulating communications contrasts sharply with the roles of the other entities mentioned. While public health regulations fall under agencies like the FDA or CDC, oversight of legal practices in state courts is typically the purview of state bar associations or judicial systems, not the FCC. Additionally, the enforcement of copyright laws is handled primarily by the U.S. Copyright Office and the courts rather than the FCC. This delineation underscores the FCC's unique position in managing communication infrastructure rather than delving into health, legal, or copyright issues.