Ten Years Ago... Cagey Cajun ready to take over: Democrat-turned-Republican hopes to Chair House Telecom Subcommittee

Cagey Cajun ready to take over: Democrat-turned-Republican hopes to Chair House Telecom Subcommittee
[SOURCE: Broadcasting & Cable 10/28/1996, AUTHOR: Heather Fleming]
Billy Tauzin (R-Louisiana) will be the chairman of the House Telecommunications Subcommittee, if Republicans maintain control of the House in November 1996 elections. Rep Tauzin switched from the Democratic party after Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) promised Tauzin would retain his seniority. Broadcasters and cable operators see Tauzin as a possible ally in upcoming hearings. Tauzin says his first priority will be oversight of the FCC in implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Tauzin went on to chair that subcommittee and the House Commerce Committee as well. He resigned from Congress in 2004 to become President/CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the drug industry's top lobbying group.
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-18813763.html

* In 2006, perhaps another changing of the guard...
For Broadcasters, Dingell Isn't So Bad
[SOURCE: tvnewsday 10/18/06, AUTHOR: Kim McAvoy]
TV broadcasters may worry that a Democratic takeover of the House might not bode well for their industry. But they should take another look. The return of the formidable John Dingell (D-MI) as chairman of the House Commerce Committee might actually be a welcome change. Broadcast lobbyists say Rep Dingell will offer a far greater understanding and respect for free, over-the-air broadcasting. The industry's strength lies with the solid and decades-long relationship local Michigan broadcasters have with Rep Dingell. He's worked with them on many issues and his door is always open to them.
http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2006/10/18/daily.2/