MARTIN ASCENDS TO FCC CHAIRMAN Bill Holland - Billboard President George W. Bush announced today (March 16) he intends to pick Kevin J. Martin to be the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
Since the Republican Martin has been a sitting FCC commissioner since July 3, 2001, under Congressional rules he will not have to undergo a Senate confirmation hearing.
Martin succeeds Michael Powell, who announced his retirement in January after a four-year term and is expected to vacate his office tomorrow (March 17).
“Kevin Martin is the right person at the right time to lead the FCC," said Edward O. Fritts, president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Broadcasters.
"Kevin has a passion for public service and a deep understanding and appreciation for the value of local broadcasting," he said. "We salute President Bush for this superb choice and we look forward to working with Chairman Martin and his colleagues."
Before joining the FCC, Martin was a Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, served on the Bush-Cheney Transition Team and was Deputy General Counsel for the Bush campaign.
Prior to working on the Bush campaign, Martin was an advisor to former FCC commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth.
"I am deeply honored to have been designated as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, and I thank President Bush for this distinct privilege," Martin said in a statement.
"I look forward to working with the Administration, Congress, my colleagues, and the FCC's talented staff to ensure that American consumers continue to enjoy the benefits of the best communications system in the world.
I thank Chairman Powell for his excellent stewardship of this agency, and I look forward to continuing his efforts in bringing the communications industry into the 21st Century."
Insiders say that the understated Martin may be a less polarizing figure than Powell, although his deregulation agenda may be even more aggressive than that of the departing chairman. Some observers say that conservative Martin may also be more responsive to the religious right on indecency issues.
Martin and predecessor Powell had their share of arm-wrestling over issues. The biggest battle was in 2003 when Martin sided with the FCC's two Democrats on a key vote over phone competition rules.
The Bush White House must still nominate a commissioner to the five-member FCC, which under the current political structure has three Republican slots and two Democratic ones. The Senate would have to approve that nomination.
The last-day Martin announcement came after rumors that the White House was considering other officials, notably Earl Comstock, a former aide to Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.
Observers also said the administration was considering Assistant Commerce Secretary Michael Gallagher for the top post. Observers say both may be considered for the open commissioner slot. |