SB QST @ ARL $ARLB014
ARLB014 Julius Genachowski Nominated as Next FCC Chairman

ZCZC AG14
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 14  ARLB014
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  March 5, 2009
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB014
ARLB014 Julius Genachowski Nominated as Next FCC Chairman
 
On Tuesday, March 3, President Barack Obama nominated Julius
Genachowski as FCC Chairman. Genachowski, 46, is a technology
executive and a former classmate of Obama's from Harvard Law School.
Upon Senate confirmation, Genachowski will replace Acting FCC
Chairman Michael Copps; Copps took over the Commission on January
22, 2009, two days after then-Chairman Kevin Martin resigned.
Genachowski has been widely praised by industry executives and
consumer-activist groups -- two groups often at odds -- for his
wide-ranging experience and intimate knowledge of technology issues.

"I can think of no one better than Julius Genachowski to serve as
chairman of the Federal Communications Commission," said President
Obama. "He will bring to the job diverse and unparalleled experience
in communications and technology, with two decades of accomplishment
in the private sector and public service. I know him as the son of
immigrants who carries a deep appreciation for this country and the
American dream; and as the proud father of three children working
with his wife Rachel to be responsible parents in this digital age."

According to the Wall Street Journal, speculation has been rife as
to why President Obama had not put forth Genachowski's name before
now, saying that "his nomination has centered on the
administration's efforts to find at least one more nominee -- more
likely two -- to fill other open spots on the FCC's five-person
board. Agency nominations tend to move through the Senate more
quickly if a Democratic nominee is paired with a Republican
nominee."

The Wall Street Journal said that a number of Republicans --
including FCC Deputy General Counsel Ajit Pai -- have been mentioned
as a possible replacement for the seat left vacant by Republican
Deborah Taylor Tate when she left the Commission in January. "On the
Democratic side, speculation is growing that FCC Commissioner
Jonathan Adelstein may not be renominated for the seat he currently
holds. South Carolina public utilities commission official Mignon
Clyburn (daughter of [Democrat Representative] Jim Clyburn) has been
most often mentioned by people close to the Obama team as a
candidate for that seat," the Journal reported. "Adelstein could be
up for a job elsewhere in the Obama administration, insiders say,
possibly at the Agriculture Department."

Acting Chairman Copps said President Obama "made an excellent choice
in announcing his intent to nominate Julius Genachowski to be the
next Chairman of the FCC. Julius has the knowledge, experience and
dedication to lead this Agency forward as we tackle the many
challenges confronting the country -- and the Commission. I look
forward to the prospect of working with him on a communications
agenda focused on serving consumers and the public interest. He will
find here a talented and energized team of public servants committed
to precisely this goal. I wish him a successful Senate
confirmation."

Commissioner Adelstein also added his congratulations: "I warmly
congratulate my friend Julius Genachowski on his nomination by
President Barack Obama to be Chairman of the Federal Communications
Commission. He is the right person at the right time for the job.
His leadership, experience and intelligence will serve him and the
American people well as he takes the helm of the FCC during this
pivotal time for our country and the agency. By designating a
Chairman with such a strong strategic vision, striking talents,
wealth of experience inside and outside the Commission, and
practical understanding of technology, President Obama once again
demonstrates his commitment to the transformational power of
communications technology and innovation."

Commissioner Robert McDowell congratulated Genachowski on his
nomination, saying he "will bring a valuable perspective to the
Commission with his experience not only in government, but in the
private sector. I look forward to working closely with Mr
Genachowski on the many important communications challenges that lie
ahead for the American people."

Additional information -- including Genachowski's background -- can
be found on the web at,
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/03/03/10684/?nc=1
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