WASHINGTON-President George W. Bush has designated FCC Commissioner Michael K. Powell, 37, as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
“I am deeply honored and privileged to have received President Bush’s designation to be chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. I look forward to working with the new administration, Congress, my fellow commissioners and the very talented FCC staff on the important and challenging communications issues facing our nation,” said Powell.
Praise was immediate and widespread for Powell.
“Outstanding!” exclaimed Thomas E. Wheeler, president and chief executive officer of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association. “He knows the issues, he knows the new competitive marketplace, he knows how to lead.”
House Commerce Committee Chairman Billy Tauzin (R-La.) was even more effusive with his praise, obviously believing he can work better with Powell than he has with his Democratic predecessors, William Kennard and Reed Hundt.
“For years, watching the FCC work has been like watching an old black-and-white movie. But now, with Michael Powell in charge, get ready for an FCC broadcast in [high-definition TV]. He’s the one person best suited to bring the agency into the 21st century.”
Who is Powell?
Powell, the son of Secretary of State Colin Powell, is declining all requests for interviews.
As a commissioner since 1997, Powell generally has not voiced strong opinions at FCC open meetings. However, on rare occurrences, he has talked about increasing the access of telecommunications products to the disabled, alluding to a near-fatal jeep accident that ended his Army career in 1987.
Powell had expected to have a life-long Army career, but after the jeep accident, he entered Georgetown University Law Center. He then clerked for Chief Judge Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia before working at a private law firm. His government service began in 1996 when he served as chief of staff to then-Assistant Attorney General Joel Klein.
Klein ran the antitrust division of the Department of Justice and Powell has often said the Justice Department’s review of telecommunications mergers is sufficient.
In a December 1998 speech, Powell compared allowing competitive telecom markets to develop to parents teaching their child to ride a bicycle.
“In terms of our bike parable, I believe that the public-interest standard is insufficient in its basic form to guide Mom and Dad Regulator as to when to step in and when to let go of the Competition bike and allow Public Good [their child or telecom markets] to realize his full potential by braving the challenges of riding Free Market Hill,” said Powell.
Powell makes staff changes
Powell has selected Marsha J. MacBride as chief of staff.
“A tip of the mouse ears to Marsha for accepting the challenge,” said FCC Commissioner Susan Ness, noting that MacBride was most recently vice president of the Washington office of the Walt Disney Co.
Before joining Disney, MacBride held various positions at the FCC, mostly in the mass-media unit. She had some contact with the wireless industry as the executive director of the FCC’s Task Force on Year 2000 Conversion.
Powell chose other FCC insiders to lead various offices until permanent selections can be named. Peter A. Tenhula will remain responsible for wireless issues as senior legal adviser to the chairman.
Powell’s term expires June 30, 2002, but he can remain as chairman until the fall of 2003, unless the president nominates and Congress confirms a replacement.
The Bush administration now has the task of finding a third Republican for the five-member panel. Traditionally, the president’s party holds a majority, and Kennard’s resignation Jan. 19 opens the seat for a Republican.
