It’s taken nearly months but the two Federal Communications Commission nominees, Republican Ajit Pai and Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel, finally got the Senate nod, and the agency now has a full five-member panel to ponder upcoming decisions.

The nominations had been held hostage by Sen Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa.), who was waiting for the full complement of FCC paperwork regarding licensing decisions regarding the struggling satellite broadband venture LightSquared, which he reportedly received last week.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, commented, “While this confirmation process was not easy, I am confident that Jessica and Ajit are ready to step into what I feel is one of the most difficult jobs in Washington. Ajit Pai has experience in both the private and public sectors, and brings a deep understanding of the communications challenges in rural America to his new role as FCC commissioner.”

And of his former staffer, the senator said, “Jessica Rosenworcel has spent nearly 15 years working on communications issues, and I believe there is no better-qualified person for this position."

Here are a few of the many industry reactions:

>> FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski: “I want to congratulate Ajit Pai and Jessica Rosenworcel on their Senate confirmation and welcome them to the commission. They bring deep knowledge of our sector and proven track records of accomplishment. President Obama made an outstanding choice in their nominations, and I look forward to working with them.”

>> ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka: “ACA salutes Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai on receiving Senate confirmation today to serve on the FCC, and ACA and its members look forward to working with these highly talented and dedicated public servants on the key issues handled by the agency. I am confident that both will continue the FCC’s long heritage of fact-based decision-making that promotes competition, stimulates private investment and innovation, and protects consumers and the public interest values we all cherish as Americans.? ?

He continued, “It’s encouraging that the new FCC Commissioners have a keen understanding of the profound impact FCC policy can have on a broad swath of industry participants, including smaller firms in smaller markets and rural areas, whether in West Virginia or Kansas. ACA is committed to working with all FCC commissioners on the adoption of effective policies that are fair, balanced and inclusive."

>> National Cable and Telecommunications Association CEO Michael Powell: "We know that they will each prove to be valuable additions to the commission, and we look forward to working with them to promote continued investment and innovation in the communications marketplace.”

>> CTIA President and CEO Steve Largent: "Their knowledge of communications issues and their experience in Washington will make them great assets for the commission."

>> Public Knowledge President Gigi Sohn: "We look forward to working with them on the many challenging issues confronting the public, from major transactions to the disposition of spectrum.”

The Daily

Subscribe
Wednesday–December 11

Ferguson On Deck at FTC

Current Republican FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson was tapped by President-elect Trump to lead the agency. He would replace Lina Khan , whose stance on mergers and an attempt to ban non-competes rankled

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Apr 16
Cablefax 100 Awards Nominations Open November 13th, 2024.
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Carley Ashley, [email protected], for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.