[EIDXA] Fw: RCR - 03/16/2005 (Martin named FCC chairman)

[Heinz Blankenhagn]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jenkins, Stan" <stan.jenkins at boeing.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2005 8:27 PM
Subject: RCR - 03/16/2005 (Martin named FCC chairman)


RCR WirelessNews
Martin named FCC chairman
By Heather Forsgren Weaver
<javascript:mailToObfuscate('hweaver','crain.com')>  
http://www.rcrnews.com/news.cms?newsId=21864
Mar 16, 2005

WASHINGTON-FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin Wednesday was named to lead the
Federal Communications Commission by President Bush. 

"I look forward to working with the administration, Congress, my
colleagues and the FCC's talented staff to ensure that American
consumers continue to enjoy the benefits of the best communications
system in the world," said Martin.

Martin, who left the FCC in 1999 when he served as staff to former FCC
Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth to go to Texas to work on Bush's
2000 presidential campaign, has long coveted the chairmanship. After
being named a commissioner in 2001, Martin has often publicly disagreed
with outgoing FCC Chairman Michael Powell.

"He will soon take a front seat at the technology revolution. His wide
knowledge of telecommunication policy issues and insight into the
rapidly changing nature of communications technology will serve the
agency well. Ultimately, everything the FCC does must serve the public
interest and benefit consumers, and I am confident he will be vigilant
in pursuing these goals," said Powell.

Martin, a Republican, is seen as being more deferential to the states
than his predecessor.

"NARUC has a history of working closely with Martin and his staff," said
James Bradford Ramsay, general counsel for the National Association of
Regulatory Utility Commissioners. "We are positive he will be an
excellent chairman."

Because Martin is a sitting commissioner, he does not have to go through
Senate confirmation.

"I look forward to working with Kevin in his new role as FCC Chairman.
Kevin has a strong legal background in telecommunications law and has
demonstrated a keen understanding of the issues before the FCC. He has
traveled throughout Alaska and understands the role of communications in
rural America. The Alaska Telephone Association endorsed Kevin because
of his sensitivity to rural issues. We have worked in the past with
Kevin to address the challenges that rural areas face in the
ever-evolving world of the telecommunications and look forward to
continuing our work in these and other areas," said Sen. Ted Stevens
(R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Stevens said his panel is still waiting for a nomination for a new
commissioner to fill the open commission slot created when Powell
leaves. Stevens publicly again endorsed his former staffer Earl
Comstock. FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy's term has expired, and
she must leave by the end of the year. She is not expected to seek
re-nomination. Stevens and Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), ranking member
of the Senate Commerce Committee, have endorsed the re-nomination of FCC
Commissioner Michael Copps, whose term expires in June.

"Kevin Martin is an experienced and dedicated public servant, having
worked at the FCC as a legal advisor, commissioner, and now chairman. He
brings to the chairmanship a thorough understanding of
telecommunications policy issues and an appreciation for the importance
of wireless technologies and services to America's economy and
consumers. We look forward to working with Chairman Martin as he leads
the FCC, where he will continue to serve with distinction," said Stan
Sigman, president and chief executive officer of Cingular Wireless.