President Barack Obama and the US Senate have seen to it that FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn will be on the job for at least four and a half more years, and a number of interested parties have commented, not the least of which is Mignon Clyburn.
Clyburn, whose new term dates back to 7/1/12 and will run through 6/30/2017, stated, “It is an extraordinary honor to have the opportunity to serve on the Federal Communications Commission for another term. I am grateful to the President for his faith in renominating me, and am humbled by the Senate’s support in approving my nomination. I look forward to working with the both the House and Senate as we share a mission to oversee communication policy that keeps the needs of American consumers paramount. It is a privilege to be surrounded by amazing colleagues and staff at the FCC, and I thank all of them for their collaboration, ideas, and friendship.”
Fellow Commissioner Ajit Pai also weighed in, saying, “I am pleased to congratulate my colleague, Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, on her confirmation last night by the United States Senate to a second term as a member of the Federal Communications Commission. On issues ranging from rural health care to interstate inmate calling rates, Commissioner Clyburn championed reform and substantially improved the Commission’s work during her first term. Her engagement, collegiality, and commitment to the interests of consumers will continue to be vital assets to the Commission as we confront the challenges on our agenda.
Representatives from several prominent communications trades also commented.
NAB’s Dennis Wharton said, “NAB supported the confirmation of Commissioner Clyburn to a new five-year term. Her commitment to public service is exemplary and we look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with Commissioner Clyburn and her staff.”
Former FCC Chairman. NCTA’s Michael Powell commented, “We congratulate Commissioner Clyburn for her well-deserved confirmation to a second term on the FCC. Commissioner Clyburn is a passionate advocate for ensuring that all Americans have access to the transformative benefits of broadband and other communications services. We look forward to continuing to work with her and the entire Commission on maintaining a marketplace which encourages investment and innovation resulting in exciting and affordable services for all consumers.”
Gary Shapiro of CEA stated, “Commissioner Clyburn has shown time and again that she understands the impact policy has on technology and innovation. Her passion and comprehension make her an ideal public servant as industry and policy leaders work together to position America as a leader in broadband. We are thrilled to work with her for a new term at the FCC.”
RBR-TVBR observation: The beginning of a new presidential term, even for an incumbent, is often accompanied by a changing of the guard at many administration posts, and the rumors along this line have certainly included current FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. Among the names we’ve heard as a possible replacement, should Genachowski decide to move on, is one Mignon Clyburn, which would add a major layer of significance to her newly-ratified term. Stay tuned.
