Democratic FCC Commissioner Michael Copps has been tapped by President Barack Obama to head up the FCC pending Senate confirmation of a permanent chair, widely reported to be Julius Genachowski. Speculation has long been that the in-between period would be steered either by Copps or Jonathan Adelstein.
“I am honored to be designated today as Acting Chairman of the FCC. I thank President Obama for his confidence in me and for this opportunity to serve. I know that I have a truly gifted and terrific team to work with. I pledge every effort I am capable of to help steer the Commission through its current transition to new leadership.”
Republican Robert McDowell quickly concurred with the administration’s move. “I am pleased that President Obama has announced that my friend and colleague, Mike Copps, will serve as acting chairman of the Commission,” he said. “I appreciate the sacrifices Beth, Mike and the Copps family have made during his distinguished public service career. I look forward to continuing to work with him at this unique time."
RBR/TVBR observation: No surprise here. What will be interesting is the level of ambition exhibited by Copps and Adelstein as we await Genachowski’s arrival. The Sunshine Notice for the February Open Meeting will tell us a lot.
