Chris Blount
01-24-05, 06:07 AM
On Friday, Michael Powell announced plans to step down as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission in March, and that news generated praise for the eight-year FCC veteran from those who have worked at the Portals during his tenure.
Powell, a Republican, took office at the FCC in 1997 as a commissioner, appointed by President Bill Clinton. He has served as FCC chairman for the last four years, elevated to the top position by President Bush. Powell pushed a deregulatory agenda, and found the spotlight when the FCC pushed issues related to indecent programming.
Satellite interests had good things to say about Powell's work.
"It has been a pleasure working with Chairman Powell and his staff for the past eight years. Chairman Powell has great dedication and passion for communications and telecommunications technologies and under his steadfast direction these technologies have advanced greatly and benefited the American public," said Richard DalBello, president of the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association.
EchoStar said in a statement that While the company did not always see "eye-to-eye" with Powell on all issues concerning EchoStar or the rest of the satellite TV industry, "we respect the integrity and hard work that he has brought to that office. The energy with which he has pursued his policies is admirable, and we wish him all the best in his next undertaking," EchoStar said.
On the cable side, Robert Sachs, president and CEO of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, said Powell "has been a truly outstanding FCC chairman and a true champion of competitive market forces. His vision and knowledge about complex telecom and mass media issues will be sorely missed but the contributions he's made to our nation's telecommunications landscape will benefit consumers for many years to come."
Sachs added, "Whether jump starting the digital TV transition or creating a regulatory environment that has allowed broadband Internet services to flourish, Michael Powell has been a major force in bringing the benefits of new technology to the American people."
And broadcasters also had praise for the FCC chairman. "I have personally enjoyed working with Michael Powell for eight years. While we have shared occasional policy differences, I have nothing but the utmost respect for the intellect, passion, and good humor that he brings to the job," said Edward Fritts, president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters.
There's speculation on who will take the top job at the Portals.
Two Republican commissioners sit on the FCC. The term for Republican Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy expired June 30, and it's unclear what will happen with her appointment. The other Republican, Kevin Martin, has surfaced as a possible candidate for the top position.
Other names surfacing in news accounts include Rebecca Klein with the Texas Public Utility Commission, and former Bush administration telecommunications policy advisers Michael Gallagher and Janice Obuchowski.
http://www.skyreport.com (Used with permission)
Powell, a Republican, took office at the FCC in 1997 as a commissioner, appointed by President Bill Clinton. He has served as FCC chairman for the last four years, elevated to the top position by President Bush. Powell pushed a deregulatory agenda, and found the spotlight when the FCC pushed issues related to indecent programming.
Satellite interests had good things to say about Powell's work.
"It has been a pleasure working with Chairman Powell and his staff for the past eight years. Chairman Powell has great dedication and passion for communications and telecommunications technologies and under his steadfast direction these technologies have advanced greatly and benefited the American public," said Richard DalBello, president of the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association.
EchoStar said in a statement that While the company did not always see "eye-to-eye" with Powell on all issues concerning EchoStar or the rest of the satellite TV industry, "we respect the integrity and hard work that he has brought to that office. The energy with which he has pursued his policies is admirable, and we wish him all the best in his next undertaking," EchoStar said.
On the cable side, Robert Sachs, president and CEO of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, said Powell "has been a truly outstanding FCC chairman and a true champion of competitive market forces. His vision and knowledge about complex telecom and mass media issues will be sorely missed but the contributions he's made to our nation's telecommunications landscape will benefit consumers for many years to come."
Sachs added, "Whether jump starting the digital TV transition or creating a regulatory environment that has allowed broadband Internet services to flourish, Michael Powell has been a major force in bringing the benefits of new technology to the American people."
And broadcasters also had praise for the FCC chairman. "I have personally enjoyed working with Michael Powell for eight years. While we have shared occasional policy differences, I have nothing but the utmost respect for the intellect, passion, and good humor that he brings to the job," said Edward Fritts, president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters.
There's speculation on who will take the top job at the Portals.
Two Republican commissioners sit on the FCC. The term for Republican Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy expired June 30, and it's unclear what will happen with her appointment. The other Republican, Kevin Martin, has surfaced as a possible candidate for the top position.
Other names surfacing in news accounts include Rebecca Klein with the Texas Public Utility Commission, and former Bush administration telecommunications policy advisers Michael Gallagher and Janice Obuchowski.
http://www.skyreport.com (Used with permission)