Reactions to Commissioner Rosenworcel Named Acting Chair of FCC

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President Joe Biden has named Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as acting chair of the Federal Communications Commission. 

Greg Guice, Director of Government Affairs at Public Knowledge: “Over the last four years, Commissioner Rosenworcel has advocated for strong consumer rights and protections on the full range of issues before the Commission, be it broadband affordability, higher speed broadband connectivity at home, or access to innovative technologies. Additionally, Commissioner Rosenworcel has spoken about the FCC’s important role in advancing the broadband economy.  Public Knowledge looks forward to working with Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel to fully engage the public in a consumer-focused agenda to promote the economic, health, and educational benefits of a broadband connected economy. As a first order of business, we look forward to helping the Commission launch a successful ‘Emergency Broadband Relief’ benefits program to ensure broadband is affordable to those families that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Free Press Co-CEO Jessica J. González: “Free Press congratulates Jessica Rosenworcel on her appointment as acting FCC chairwoman. As we confront the pandemic, economic crisis and the urgent need for racial justice, we need equitable access to reliable communications tools and accurate news and information. We look forward to working with Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel on restoring the Commission's Title II authority under the Communications Act and opening up opportunities to finally end the digital divide, ensure reliable access to the internet and reinstate nondiscrimination policies like Net Neutrality. We also hope to work closely on efforts to expand ownership and viewpoint diversity in the broadcast sector, and ensure that broadcasters are serving the public interest."

Free Press Co-CEO Craig Aaron: “As a commissioner, Rosenworcel has challenged the Trump FCC’s worst actions and impulses. Now she must rebuild after the previous regime tried to demolish so much of the agency’s most important work.  Rosenworcel’s long record of public service and deep knowledge of the issues before the FCC make her uniquely suited to fixing what has been broken at the agency over the past four years. We hope she will use the power of the office to push immediately for long-overdue changes that can improve people’s lives, create opportunities for new and diverse voices, and make the FCC an agency that’s committed to public needs rather than corporate greed.”

National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Gordon Smith: “NAB applauds Jessica Rosenworcel on her selection by President Biden as acting chair of the FCC. She is a dedicated and experienced public servant who has demonstrated great aptitude in leading communications policy during her tenure at the Commission. We look forward to working with her and her fellow Commissioners on regulatory policies that help local radio and TV stations serve the public interest.”

Joan Marsh, AT&T Executive Vice President of Federal Regulatory Relations: “We look forward to working with Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel as she assumes responsibility for the agency and the important tasks before her, including the management of new programs that will make broadband more accessible and affordable to all Americans.”

Comcast Chief Legal Officer Tom Reid: “We commend President Biden’s appointment of Jessica Rosenworcel as Acting Chair of the FCC. She has worked passionately and tirelessly on the critical issues of connecting all Americans to broadband and closing the Homework Gap, and been a leader on public safety issues and promoting balanced spectrum policy, among other issues. She has distinguished herself in her service as a Commissioner, and her knowledge of the communications industry is invaluable as the Commission tackles the digital future of communications. We congratulate Chairwoman Rosenworcel on her well-deserved appointment and look forward to continuing to work with the FCC under her leadership.”


Reactions to Commissioner Rosenworcel Named Acting Chair of FCC Public Knowledge Welcomes Commissioner Rosenworcel as FCC Acting Chair to Protect Consumers Free Press Cheers the Appointment of Jessica Rosenworcel as Acting FCC Chair and Rebecca Slaughter as Acting FTC Chair AT&T Statement on Acting FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Comcast Statement on Acting FCC Chair Rosenworcel NAB Statement on Designation of Jessica Rosenworcel as Acting FCC Chair