January, 12 2009, 05:41pm EDT
Free Press Welcomes News of Next FCC Chair
According to news reports, President-elect Barack Obama will appoint
Julius Genachowski as chair of the Federal Communications Commission.
Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press, issued the following statement:
WASHINGTON
According to news reports, President-elect Barack Obama will appoint
Julius Genachowski as chair of the Federal Communications Commission.
Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press, issued the following statement:
"Under Julius Genachowski's leadership, the FCC's compass would
point toward the public interest. President-elect Obama has provided a
clear roadmap of his media and technology priorities. We share Obama's
goals of creating a more diverse, democratic media system and providing
fast, affordable, open Internet access for everyone. We greatly look
forward to working with Mr. Genachowski to put the president-elect's
plan into action.
"The challenges facing the next FCC are enormous -- a vast digital
divide, an open Internet in jeopardy, consolidated media ownership,
newsrooms in economic freefall and entrenched industries invested in
maintaining the status quo. This moment calls for bold and immediate
steps to spur competition, foster innovation and breathe new life into
our communications sector. With his unique blend of business and
governmental experience, Genachowski promises to provide the strong
leadership we need."
Wall Street Journal: https://online.wsj.com/article/SB123180775460975639.html
Read 2009 Media & Tech Priorities: A Public Interest Agenda: https://www.freepress.net/files/2009techpolicy.pdf
Free Press was created to give people a voice in the crucial decisions that shape our media. We believe that positive social change, racial justice and meaningful engagement in public life require equitable access to technology, diverse and independent ownership of media platforms, and journalism that holds leaders accountable and tells people what's actually happening in their communities.
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