The IBAB is established under the International Broadcasting Act, as amended (22 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.), as an independent establishment of the Executive Branch. [22 USC 6205(a); 5 USC 104] The IBAB is composed of seven members—six of whom are appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and the seventh who is the Secretary of State. Under the International Broadcasting Act, the six members appointed by the President are distinguished in the fields of public diplomacy, mass communications, print, broadcast or digital media, or foreign affairs. Not more than three of the members appointed by the President may be from the same political party.