March 17, 2005

President Bush yesterday has officially named Kevin Martin to lead the Federal Communications Commission.

"I look forward to working with the administration, Congress, my colleagues and the FCC's talented staff to ensure that American consumers continue to enjoy the benefits of the best communications system in the world," said Martin.

Martin, who left the FCC in 1999 when he served as staff to former FCC Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth to go to Texas to work on Bush's 2000 presidential campaign, has long coveted the chairmanship.

After being named a commissioner in 2001, Martin has often publicly disagreed with outgoing FCC Chairman Michael Powell.

"He will soon take a front seat at the technology revolution. His wide knowledge of telecommunication policy issues and insight into the rapidly changing nature of communications technology will serve the agency well. Ultimately, everything the FCC does must serve the public interest and benefit consumers, and I am confident he will be vigilant in pursuing these goals," said Powell.

Martin, a Republican, is seen as being more deferential to the states than his predecessor.

"NARUC has a history of working closely with Martin and his staff," said James Bradford Ramsay, general counsel for the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. "We are positive he will be an excellent chairman."

Because Martin is a sitting commissioner, he does not have to go through Senate confirmation.

"I look forward to working with Kevin in his new role as FCC Chairman. Kevin has a strong legal background in telecommunications law and has demonstrated a keen understanding of the issues before the FCC.

He has traveled throughout Alaska and understands the role of communications in rural America. The Alaska Telephone Association endorsed Kevin because of his sensitivity to rural issues.

We have worked in the past with Kevin to address the challenges that rural areas face in the ever-evolving world of the telecommunications and look forward to continuing our work in these and other areas," said Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Stevens said his panel is still waiting for a nomination for a new commissioner to fill the open commission slot created when Powell leaves. Stevens publicly again endorsed his former staffer Earl Comstock.

FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy's term has expired, and she must leave by the end of the year. She is not expected to seek re-nomination.

Stevens and Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, have endorsed the re-nomination of FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, whose term expires in June.

"Kevin Martin is an experienced and dedicated public servant, having worked at the FCC as a legal advisor, commissioner, and now chairman.

He brings to the chairmanship a thorough understanding of telecommunications policy issues and an appreciation for the importance of wireless technologies and services to America's economy and consumers.

We look forward to working with Chairman Martin as he leads the FCC, where he will continue to serve with distinction," said Stan Sigman, president and chief executive officer of Cingular Wireless.

Source: RCR News