Julius Genachowski, Obama Law School Classmate, Nominated To Head FCC

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Tuesday named Julius Genachowski, a friend from Harvard Law School, as his nominee to chair the Federal Communications Commission.

Genachowski was an adviser to Obama's campaign and has been a senior executive at Barry Diller's Internet conglomerate, IAC/Interactive Corp.

Genachowski worked at the FCC as chief counsel to the chairman and as special counsel from 1994 to 1997. He clerked for Supreme Court Justices David Souter and William Brennan and worked in Congress.

Genachowski's nomination was widely expected after leaks from the Obama succession team in January. He must still be confirmed by the Senate.

Democratic Commissioner Michael Copps has been acting FCC chairman since Republican Kevin Martin left in January. A Republican seat on the five-member commission also is vacant, awaiting a nomination by Obama.

Key issues facing the next FCC chairman include the shutdown of remaining analog broadcast TV signals. The transition to digital broadcasts originally was scheduled to be completed by Feb. 17, but has been delayed until June 12.

The FCC also is indirectly involved in administering the first large-scale federal funding package for expanded high-speed Internet access in rural areas. The recently passed stimulus bill provided $7.2 billion in grants and loans for broadband.

Stifel Nicolaus analysts Rebecca Arbogast and David Kaut said the shift of the FCC majority into Democratic hands is likely to weaken the power of incumbents like major phone companies, and strengthen the clout of Internet companies like Google Inc. and Yahoo Inc.

Comments

[Cinnamonape]

I'd argue that with the development of the New Media there is even a greater need for the FCC to refocus itself on deconsolidation and regenerating local content. Why? Because these major, multinational and often foreign controlled (at least in terms of hidden ownership) media firms can provide their messages over the internet. Radio/TV broadcast stations should, in essence, be directed at the communities who obtain their signals.

No one would accept a few entities buying all the internet domains and refusing all but those that carried their ads and content. Yet that's precisely what happened with the "public airwaves". In many markets Clear Channel owns 4-5 of the radio stations, with the other big media concerns owning two or three each (both AM-FM pairings) for the others. Even smaller stations are bought up by groups such as Paxson, or Family Radio that own hundred of stations nationally.

The Original Seven Station Rule limited the number of stations that could be owned by a single corporation. Newspapers in the same market couldn't control a radio/TV station. Syndication was limited, as was the use of networks (one/market). In 1985, Reagan argued that greater market competition existed and that this would naturally lead to greater diversity, so the commission relaxed ownership rules. The opposite of what was claimed..but perhaps what was actually intended...occured. Then rules on Community Ascertainment and Responsiveness, Commercials, Ownership, Anti-Trafficking, Duopoly and Syndication and Financial Interest Rules were also eased.

[joebloe]

Hear, hear!!

We must continue to beat the drum to rid our nation of these media monopolies. Only when many voices have access to the airwaves can our populace have the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding the future of the US.

[Totto]

Mitt Romney is one of the owners of Clear Channel. Chuck Hagel owned one of the electronic voting machine companies. Berlusconi owns most of the broadcast media in Italy. Always planning ahead, these right-wingers.

[polybius]

"The FCC also is indirectly involved in administering the first large-scale federal funding package for expanded high-speed Internet access in rural areas. The recently passed stimulus bill provided $7.2 billion in grants and loans for broadband."

Okay. so - could we get more info on just who is getting this 7 billion in grants? If its Verizon / Time Warner / At & t, it will just go fluushhhhhh into a black hole (and exec bonuses), and we will get nothing.

How do we know this? Already been done, chiefs. Back in the 90s the telecoms were given a few billion to upgrade the countries phone lines for high-speed internet everwhere.

Oh they took the money, but actually do the upgrade? Not so much.

These guys need to be garroted, and their entire management replaced. I say nationalize the MSM for a few months, then return them to private status with a new mandate : Service for the people > profit for the few.

Yes they can make their filthy money. But let's at least get some service for their use of the people's airwaves? I am so sick of having 300+ channels of complete dreck. to choose from.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

[Tkevan]

Not going to happen. The Chairman for all three of those companies contributed primarily to the Democratic party in 2008.

[-0013]

'I say nationalize the MSM for a few months, then return them to private status with a new mandate : Service for the people > profit for the few. "

Great idea Putin.

[Big0725]

Looks like a company called IBEC is bringing a few Broadband via Power Line systems online in the Midwest.

[TishiJo]

5 corporations control the information all Americans recieve. I dont care about who or when in the past, just how do we end the monopoly of the airwaves by any corporation or wealthy entity?

[Tkevan]

WHich 5 would that be??

[terragazelle60]

Reagan started that with putting an end to the Fairness Doctrine. The Republicans are scared to death that this administration will bring it back...the Fox " news" would be out of business because both sides would be talked about. They could not get by with people like Rush Limbaugh spouting his l ies and having 20 million people believe him, because no other voice can get through the noice. It's a way to hold onto power, Reagan and the conservatives created the power of Fox and Clear Channel as a front for the Republican party. Where do the Democrates have that kind of voice? They have the monopoly...and they get it for free...

[-0013]

Radio and television are both businesses. The market dictates what people want to hear. If people wanted to hear a left wing radio personality that was as far to the left as Rush is to the right then there would be a left wing Rush Limbaugh type show. It's simple supply and demand.

Why do you think MSNBC decided to become the network of the liberal left. They going under trying to act as a fair and evensided network and management made the calculated decision to hop on the Obama train to boost ratings. It was a successful but shortsighted plan as since the election their ratings are sliding again.

[T Mason]

5 control MOST of it not all of it. The internet has many sources that do not report or take orders from the "High-5". The best we can do is to question everyone. For fairness on cable you can watch FOX for right center news, CNN for left center news and msnbc for moronic relief.

[Tkevan]

The 'High-5', as you call them, don't come close to controlling MOST information.

I'm guessing you mean Westinghouse, GE, Disney, News Corp, and Time-Warner.

[Cinnamonape]

Reagan's FCC Commissioners lookied for ways to eliminate the Fairness Doctrine. The 1985 Fairness Report dubiously argued scarcity was no longer valid; the Doctrine inhibited broadcasters from airing more controversial material. In TRAC v. FCC, the court ruled that the Doctrine was not codified as part of the 1959 Amendment to the Communications Act as previously assumed. Then the FCC applied the Fairness Doctrine to a Syracuse television station after it ran editorials supporting the building of a nuclear power plant (Meredith Corp. v. FCC, 809 F. 2d. 863 (1987); Syracuse Peace Council 3 FCCR 2035 (1987)). Meredith cited the 1985 FCC Report calling for the Doctrine's repeal. The courts remanded the case back to the commission to determine whether the Doctrine was constitutional and in the public interest. In 1987, the FCC repealed the Doctrine, with the exception of the personal attack and political editorializing rules which still remain in effect. But even these have been used except agaiunst non-commercial stations.

[Cinnamonape]

We use the original law that created the FCC...it's original purpose to protect the "public airwaves". The Communications Act of 1934 than created the FRC and then the FCC. This was because of "scarcity of the airwaves" - small, local stations, run by entrepreneurs and community groups were shut down, so that "more efficient" large stations could have greater coverage. But part of the "contract" was that the local communities would have their needs assessed and fulfilled by access and programming. Different viewpoints would be given the means to be heard ON EACH STATION.

A licensee must operate a broadcast station as a public trust not promote only his or her point of view. The constitutionality of the Fairness Doctrine and section 315 was upheld by the Court in Red Lion Broadcasting v. FCC. Broadcasters complained that the doctrine produced a "chilling effect" on speech and cited the possibility of fighting protracted legal battles in Fairness Doctrine challenges. Generally, though, the FCC determined station "fairness" based on the overall programming record of the licensee. The Court reaffirmed the notion that licensees were not obligated to sell or give time to specific opposing groups to meet Fairness Doctrine requirements as long as the licensee met its public trustee obligations.

[vmonter]

What's CRONYISM look like again?

[cfirestone]

This appointment is anything but cronyism. Yes, Obama knows Genachowski, but there have been few, if any, more qualified people ever nominated for this leadership job. Genachowski was formerly the Chief Legal Assistant to the Chairman, has worked almost a decade in the new tech industries, been a venture capitalist, and has clerked for two justices on the Supreme Court. He's smart, he's informed, he's up-to-date on the issues, and he has the ear of the President.

[terragazelle60]

Did you read the nominees bio? That is qualified.

Cronyism is HeckofajobBrowny as FEMA lead taken from the Arabian Horse Shows.

[cal5000]

Its not Cronyism when the person is qualified, sweetie and having already worked there before cant hurt either.

Thanks for playing: http://www.bombombombomwooooo.com

[amdezurik]

would you rather he be an ex-horse groomer or the like?

[Big0725]

Looks like Alberto Gonzalez!

I'll take President Obama's cronies over Shrub's any day! He probably won't be going to jail any time soon.

[judiNJ]

One of the things that was lost in all the conglomeration was the loss of local stations that
kept folks up on local issues and weather. Just big, big stuff.

[buckbuck11]

The oldest TV station in Syracuse, NY just laid off nearly all of its news staff and is being combined with another station by two giant corporations. That will combine the CBS, NBC and CW outlets under one company. Another local voice is lost.

One of the biggest right wing canards is that unbridled free enterprise creates competition. Unbridled free enterprise buys out competition, stifles innovation and creates monopoly.

[rssrai]

The internet is here to stay and get stronger. When you can watch movies, and TV shows, and get news firsthand on the internet, which I can, than I just see that the TV news media will be just talking heads, and entertainers which is what the news media is now. The news on cable TV is as old as the hills by the time you get it.

[terragazelle60]

You make a mistake thinking all people have a computer...those who need the info the most are left out...the poor and many of the elederly. Most of those not on the net are in the south, think that might have had something to do with the past election and who knows what is really going on?

[RI]

Speaking of media, please try a better headline. Your "Obama's classmate" title seems to suggest that this guy is a crony pick a la Bush, when in fact he seems very well qualified. Something like "Venture Capitalist Nominated..." would have been a much more intriguing title.

[Hopeington]

I agree with you on this, Isn't Obama supposed to be choosing seemingly well qualified people he knows about, to fill these important position's? Another Smart Pick By Obama might have been a more fitting headline.

[Ozarks]

just go to ala cart for satellite and cable. Watch them scramble.

[tjfdownsouth]

I am all for ala cart, where's the petition.

[LHoney]

What do you mean by that??

[ElPerro]

OK, fine. Now can we concentrate on slowing or reversing the rate of concentration of media ownership than worrying about what's coming out of some DJ's mouth? Michael Powell turned the FCC into a strong-arm branch of the religious right's "Scold Division"

[ohiomark]

At least now we know who will be in charge of imposing censorship on opposing views.

[madisonhack]

You must be referring to the idea of the Fairness Doctrine. That isn't censorship; it simply states that an opposing point of view be shown IN ADDITION to what is being broadcast. Stop trying to confuse the issue. Allowing mega-corporations to dominate public airwaves with propaganda is what we have now.

[ohiomark]

You obviously don't understand why Democrats want to bring back some version of the "Fairness Doctrine".

Since the liberals shows on talk radio get beaten badly in the ratings everywhere they go up against conservative shows, they feel the need to force radio stations to air shows that cannot make money in the "free market". Radio programmers, who don't want to deal with the bureaucrats who will "decide" what is "fair", will simply dump the format and go back to a safe format such as playing music or sports talk.

Thus, the conservative shows will be off the air, which is what they Libs are aiming for.

It is not the job of the government to determine content of the radio. At least not yet.

[westreal]

New FCC Commissioner. Will you please allow curse words on TV. And please allow a breast or two to be shown. And please restrict how many media companies a person like Rupert Murdoch can own in one market. And please reserve some air space for local broadcasting. I have other requests but I'll stop there.

[rinpochet]

It is interesting that in England, which Americans consider stodgy, allows both swearing and frontal nudity on TV, at any time! I was a little shocked but more from a perspective of, "Wow .. they really believe in freedom of speech." It was in context and did not seem out of place t all. I find the "beeps" here in place of language to be insulting to my intellingence. BTW, the English version of The Office would be considered risque here also.

Puritanism here by the people who control our airwaves is the problem.

[DannyEastVillage]

the people who "control" the airwaves aren't the puritains: it's the people the "controllers" are afraid of, i.e., the fake-religious right who think showing a breast is an affront to public morality but will give their blessing to any war that an anti-abortion mouthpiece champions.

[Bluedogdemocrat8650]

He sounds more qualified then Collin Powell's son, who was head of the FCC, from 2000-204. The same man who threw a fit over Janet Jackson's nipple.

[kshawNCvoter]

oh good.....more smart and handsome in the white house. good job.

[happycat]

I agree. Nothing like more brains to enjoy with our eye candy. This is the opposite of the Bush years.

[k6007]

When we had neither;)

[DannyEastVillage]

ah,c'mon he's not THAT cute. but thank god we're going to have somebody who has actual credentials in the administration for a change. and that's a BIG change. Think "monica gooding."

yikes.

[sandpiper1]

WOW!!!! Lots of Harvard grads in the new WH....sure beats all them libertiy university igits Bush appointed.

[Big0725]

Hey, at least Liberty is a real university. I believe you may ave meant Regent University, Pat Robertson's fourth level school. It's so bad that many real universities won't accept a student's credits from there.

[Ira7]

The Fairness Doctrine is unenforceable. I would be happy to be able to see boobs and hear the f*** word on "basic" cable, whatever the hell that means. Why should HBO have all the fun? (Okay--so I'm shallow.)

[osamamania]

Wow! Yet another double standard from the leftist!

When Bush selected old classmates and friends for his administration, the leftist in this country yelled, kicked and screamed. The Messiah does it and the leftist cheer!

Drink up, the Koolaide is free!

Welcome to the USSA!

[ConservativeTim]

Good post..........

[dc2nm]

When Bush selected people that were obviously unqualified for the job, liberals and independents alike were upset. You cannot make the same argument for this appointment.

[DannyEastVillage]

you couldn't possibly be so s/up/d as to be unable to see the difference between Brownie, Monica Gooding and the people Obama's bringing into government.

Why don't you just admit that you're a ra.cist bi.got and be done with it?

[Tkevan]

So, the fact that Goodling (BTW, its Goodling, not Gooding) got her JD from Liberty really bugs you, doesn't it? You do know that those Lawyers have to pass the state bar to get their actual license, right? The same one every JD from Virginia has to pass? And she passed in 1999?

[Big0725]

Have a good cry then, cuz times, they are a'changin'!

BTW, the beverage is Kool-Aid!