Michael O'Reilly

The great storyteller Aesop is credited with creating a popular fable involving flies and honey that can be summarized as, “It is possible to have too much of a good thing.” This lesson is directly on point for federal efforts to extend broadband networks to unserved Americans. At this moment, the Trump Administration is putting the finishing touches on the latest stage of the Commerce Department’s distribution of over $22 billion in broadband funding, which, if all goes according to plan, will bring terrestrial or satellite broadband to those without options.

Career paths can be carefully mapped or unexpectedly presented. In this case, the role called me. Late last year, it became clear that The Media Institute—an organization I admire for its honorable mission and pivotal functions—needed a new leader. At that point, my hand reflexively rose to help steer TMI’s future, alongside an able Board of Trustees, with the respectful goal of preserving its high notes while addressing any shortcomings. To be clear, my aim is to maintain TMI at its current level of effectiveness while recognizing the demands of a changing media environment.