Senate Confirms Clyburn, Baker For FCC
WASHINGTON -- July 24, 2009: The FCC is back to a full five members, as the Senate has confirmed the nominations of Mignon Clyburn (pictured left) and Meredith Attwell Baker as commissioners. Clyburn take a Democratic seat, joining Chairman Julius Genachowski and Michael Copps, while Baker joins Robert McDowell as the second Republican commissioner.
Clyburn has served 11 years as a member of the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, which regulates the state's investor-owned public utilities, including telecommunications. She chaired the commission from 2002-2004, and is also a past chair of the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
Baker is a former Deputy Administrator at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. She served with the NTIA from 2004-2008 and before that was VP at Williams Mullen Strategies, and she's also been a senior counsel to Covad Communications.
NAB EVP/Media Relations Dennis Wharton said, "NAB salutes the Senate for confirming Meredith Attwell Baker and Mignon Clyburn as new commissioners at the FCC. Their commitment to public service and their understanding of media-related issues will serve the commission and consumers well. NAB looks forward to working with Commissioners Baker and Clyburn and their FCC colleagues on behalf of America's free and local radio and television stations."
Genachowski Congratulates New Commissioners
Genachowski said of Baker, "Meredith is a distinguished public servant who will bring unique insight and expertise to bear in the agency's policymaking process. I enthusiastically await Meredith's arrival at the FCC and the opportunity to collaborate with her on advancing our shared goal of improving the lives of all Americans through communications."
On Clyburn, Genachowski said, "Mignon's deep commitment to public service, experience in state government, and entrepreneurial expertise will be invaluable assets to this agency. I enthusiastically await Mignon's arrival at the FCC and the opportunity to collaborate with her on advancing our shared goal of improving the lives of all Americans through communications."
McDowell also congratulated both new members of the FCC. He said of Clyburn's confirmation, "We all stand to benefit from her strong communications background as a Commissioner on South Carolina's Public Service Commission and as a newspaper publisher, coupled with her extensive involvement in community organizations. I look forward to working with my new colleagues as we tackle the tough issues facing the commission."
In congratulating Baker, McDowell said, "Meredith brings to the commission vast experience in both the public and private sectors, a deep understanding of the communications marketplace, and a steadfast commitment to public service. I am excited to continue working with Meredith as we grow to a full commission."
Copps said, This is a great day for the FCC. We have two bright and talented new commissioners coming aboard and they bring the FCC to full strength. Important issues have been teed up for their attention the minute they walk through the portals, foremost among them being our charge to present to Congress a national broadband plan by next February. Many other issues affecting both media and telecom cry out for early action. I'm excited at the prospect of working with both Mignon Clyburn and Meredith Baker because I know they each bring high intelligence, obvious dedication, and valuable career experiences with them. The commission is whole again!"
The FCC has been at three members since the resignations of then-Chairman Kevin Martin in January and Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate in December. Genachowski was confirmed to replace Martin last month, and Clyburn will take the seat recently vacated by Jonathan Adelstein, who is moving to a new post at the Department of Agriculture.
Add a Comment
