It’s official: Genachowski to FCC

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Barack Obama: "I can think of no one better than Julius Genachowski to serve as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. 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."
Genachowski has a stint at the FCC on his resume. He is widely expected to put broadband issues on the front burner. He is also a founding member of Common Sense, an organization which seeks to assist parents in controlling their children’s media consumption.


Acting Chairman Michael Copps welcomed Genachowski, saying, “President Obama has made an excellent choice in announcing his intent to nominate Julius Genachowski to be the next Chairman of the FCC. Julius has the knowledge, experience and dedication to lead this Agency forward as we tackle the many challenges confronting the country – and the Commission. I look forward to the prospect of working with him on a communications agenda focused on serving consumers and the public interest. He will find here a talented and energized team of public servants committed to precisely this goal. I wish him a successful Senate confirmation.”

Jonathan Adelstein also said hello: “I warmly congratulate my friend Julius Genachowski on his nomination by President Barack Obama to be Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. He is the right person at the right time for the job. His leadership, experience and intelligence will serve him and the American people well, as he takes the helm of the FCC during this pivotal time for our country and the agency. By designating a Chairman with such a strong strategic vision, striking talents, wealth of experience inside and outside of the Commission, and practical understanding of technology, President Obama once again demonstrates his commitment to the transformational power of communications technology and innovation.”

So did Robert McDowell, who said, “I congratulate Julius Genachowski on his nomination to be chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. 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.”

RBR/TVBR observation: We’d posit that it might be kind of nice for broadcasters to spend some time in the relative peace and quiet of the FCC’s back burner area. It also means there is still a Republican seat to fill on the FCC’s 8th Floor. If tradition holds, Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison will have some say as to the identity of this individual – we’d suggest getting a name out there ASAP so that FCC lone Republican McDowell isn’t any more outnumbered than necessary.