Titles in this series provide historical overviews of the most powerful, controversial, and misunderstood agencies of the United States government. Each volume includes narrative chapters that discuss history, organization, programs, controversies, notable people, and impact on society. A chronology of significant events is also included. The authors recount how the FCC has emerged as one of the most important and controversial agencies in the U.S. government. As an independent regulatory commission, it possesses an expansive legislative mandate to formulate a national communications policy. Using its authority, the FCC has done such far-reaching things as setting rates for long distance telephone service, creating standards for broadcast programming, writing regulations for cable television, and introducing competition in virtually every sector of the communications industry. The FCC has frequently been the target of criticism by interest groups and members of Congress.