President Nominates Genachowski As FCC Chairman NCTA President McSlarrow Hails Choice
By John Eggerton Multichannel News March 3, 2009 http://www.multichannel.com/article/print/189410-President_Nominates_Genachowski_As_FCC_Chairman.php President Barack Obama Tuesday expressed his intent to nominate Julius Genachowski to be chairman of the FCC. Genachowski has been a tech policy advisor to the president with a background in law, policy and the business of communications. The administration signaled the pick several weeks ago. "I can think of no one better than Julius Genachowski to serve as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, "said Obama. "He will bring to the job diverse and unparalleled experience in communications and technology, with two decades of accomplishment in the private sector and public service. I know him as the son of immigrants who carries a deep appreciation for this country and the American dream; and as the proud father of three children working with his wife Rachel to be responsible parents in this digital age." Genachowski must still be confirmed by Congress. Industry response poured in to Genachowski's nomination. "We congratulate Julius Genachowski on his nomination as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission," said National Cable & Telecommunications Association president Kyle McSlarrow in a statement. "He is an excellent choice, and combines the policy savvy and real-world experience that will be necessary to confront both the challenges and opportunities presented at a time of incredible change sweeping the media, communications and technology marketplace. We look forward to working with Julius and the entire commission as they seek to chart a course that contributes to our economic recovery and benefits all Americans." Noted Public Knowledge president Gigi Sohn: "We are pleased that President Obama today announced his intent to nominate Julius Genachowski to be the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Julius is an outstanding choice for FCC Chairman. As the architect of President-elect Obama's Technology and Innovation Plan, it is clear that he understands the importance of open networks and a regulatory environment that promotes innovation and competition to a robust democracy and a health economy." "I have known Julius for over 15 years, both as a public servant and as a savvy and progressive businessman. He worked with me to promote the public interest in communications in his role as chief counsel to then-FCC Chairman Reed Hundt and then as an aide to Barry Diller when Diller and I were members of the Advisory Committee on the Public Interest Obligations of Digital Television Broadcasters (Gore Commission)." "Julius Genachowski is one of the best-qualified appointees ever named to head the FCC," said Andrew Jay Schwartzman, president and CEO of Media Access Project. "We look forward to having a more transparently-operating FCC which will promote the free flow of information on all electronic media. The fact that Julius is a close confidant of the President is especially important, as it demonstrates the high priority that this Administration will place on developing proactive media and telecommunications policy." FCC commissioner Robert McDowell also weighed in. "I congratulate Julius Genachowski on his nomination to be chairman of the Federal Communications Commission," said McDowell. "He will bring a valuable perspective to the Commission with his experience not only in government but also in the private sector. I look forward to working closely with Mr. Genachowski on the many important communications challenges that lie ahead for the American people." It is actually the second round of congratulations, given that Genachoswki had been the presumptive nominee for the past six or seven weeks. The first round came in early January after sources that Genachowski was the one. ================================================= George Antunes Voice (713) 743-3923 Associate Professor Fax (713) 743-3927 Political Science Internet: antunes at uh dot edu University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-3011 *********************************** * POST TO [email protected] * *********************************** Medianews mailing list [email protected] http://lists.etskywarn.net/mailman/listinfo/medianews
