An Open Letter to FCC Chairman-Nominee Ajit Pai

[Commentary] Dear Commissioner Pai:
Congratulations on your likely nomination to become Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.

I hope you will take every effort to achieve consensus which used to be the usual outcome of matters before the FCC. Issues did not have a Republican position and an opposite Democratic one. Most votes were unanimous, because fair minded Commissioners—led by a fair-minded Chairman—could achieve a just and proper outcome, even if it disappointed a major incumbent. No one had to overreach, or grandstand. No one had to write 50 page dissents. No one dared resort to smugness, righteous indignation and arrogance. I share your excitement about the promise of telecommunications and information technology to enhance national welfare and make life better for all. Such potential makes it that much more important that you strive to lead by example and refrain from using your considerable power to settle all the grudges you bear.

[Rob Frieden serves as Pioneers Chair and Professor of Telecommunications and Law at Penn State University.]