President Barack Obama has put forth the names of Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai as the next members of the Federal Communications Commission, and the next step is confirmation by the Senate, starting with the Commerce Committee. NAB has asked that Congress act expeditiously to put these qualified candidates to work.
The Senate will have to overcome a hold put on the nominees of member Charles Grassley. He has a gripe which is not related to the identity of either of the nominess, but does involve the FCC.
NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith, fired off a letter to Commerce Committee leaders Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) making NAB’s point.
“The National Association of Broadcasters strongly encourages the Senate Commerce Committee to act promptly on these nominations and ensure that the FCC has a full complement of Commissioners next year and beyond, a time during which the agency will be making major decisions that will impact radio and television broadcasters and the entire telecommunications industry.”
Smith concluded, “You have worked closely with Jessica and Ajit, so you already know that they are highly qualified, knowledgeable and thoughtful public servants. We believe that these attributes and their combined years of experience – both at the FCC and in Congress – will be of significant value to the Commission. With the Senate’s approval, NAB and our nation’s broadcasters look forward to working with Jessica and Ajit for many years to come.”
