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The Broadcast VOICES Act directs the Federal Communications Commission to implement new programs designed to increase minority and women ownership of radio and television broadcast stations. Currently, women own less than 6 percent of commercial television stations and less than 9 percent of radio stations, while minorities own less than 4 percent of television stations and less than 3 percent of radio stations. The bill establishes a tax certificate program allowing sellers to defer taxes on gains from sales that result in or preserve ownership by socially disadvantaged individuals, defined to include women and people subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice, with sales capped at $50 million and a minimum 2 to 3 year holding period. The legislation also creates a tax credit for donations of broadcast stations or interests in stations to charities that train socially disadvantaged individuals in broadcast station management, and requires the FCC to submit biennial reports to Congress on the number and value of minority and women-owned stations along with recommendations for increasing ownership diversity. The tax provisions expire sixteen years after enactment.

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