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Telecommunications Industry: A Research Guide

Radio & Television Broadcasting

Black and white photograph of several men seated in front of television sets
Marion S. Trikosko, photographer. [Men, possibly broadcasting technicians, seated in front of bank of television sets at the Democratic Headquarters at the Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D.C. on election night, November 3, 1964]. 1964. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

The radio broadcasting industry includes stations and networks that broadcast audio programming over AM, FM and satellite channels. Satellite radio has been the fastest growing sector, however all radio broadcasting has faced competition from streaming online services. The In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets limits on the number of radio stations one company can own, but they have loosened restrictions since the elimination of the Broadcast Station Cross-ownership Rules in 2017.

Television broadcasting operates in a similar fashion as it consists of studios and networks that transmit audiovisual programming over-the-air. This industry excludes cable and satellite television. The television broadcasting industry is dominated by a several large multimedia companies. The broadcasting industry is affected by competition for advertising dollars from alternative media outlets.

The resources below should help you get started with research into radio and television broadcasting. There are additional trade associations listed as well that are specific to these industries.

Selected Books

The following materials link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to online resources are included when available. E-books versions may be available onsite at the Library of Congress via the Library's STACKS database, accessible on dedicated computers in the reading rooms, or e-book subscription databases. These materials are on the subject of radio and/or television broadcasting.

Selected Print Directories & Handbooks

Internet Resources

The following links are to select websites and online publications related to the radio & television broadcasting sector. 

Broadcasting Trade Associations