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Obama Nominates Genachowski to Lead FCC

Mar 3, 2009  •  Post A Comment

President Barack Obama made it official today, nominating Julius Genachowski to be chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
“I can think of no one better than Julius Genachowski to serve as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission,” the president said in a statement. “He will bring to the job diverse and unparalleled experience in communications and technology, with two decades of accomplishment in the private sector and public service.
“I know him as the son of immigrants who carries a deep appreciation for this country and the American dream; and as the proud father of three children working with his wife Rachel to be responsible parents in this digital age,” President Obama said.
The long expected nomination was announced as part of a package of nominations that included John Berry, director of the office of personnel management.
Mr. Genachowski, a former chief counsel to past FCC Chairman Reed Hundt had been a senior executive at Barry Diller’s IAC/InterActiveCorp, and subsequently co-founder and managing director or LaunchBox Digital and Rock Creek Ventures.
He is a personal friend of the president, a friendship that goes back to Harvard Law School. Mr. Genachowski is given credit for crafting much of the Obama campaign’s platform on media issues.
Republican FCC commissioner Robert McDowell immediately congratulated Mr. Genachowski.
“He will bring a valuable perspective to the commission with his experience not only in government but also in the private sector,” said Mr. McDowell. “I look forward to working closely with Mr. Genachowski on the many important communications challenges that lie ahead for the American people.”
Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps also praised the nomination.
“President Obama has made an excellent choice,” he said. “Julius has the knowledge, experience and dedication to lead this agency forward as we tackle the many challenges confronting the country–and the commission. I look forward to the prospect of working with him on a communications agenda focused on serving consumers and the public interest. He will find here a talented and energized team of public servants committed to precisely this goal. I wish him a successful Senate confirmation.”
(Editor: Baumann. Updated 12:20 p.m. to add last six paragraphs.)

6 Comments

  1. Well, if Obama nominated this guy, there’s no way he’s qualified. Or if he is, he’ll make a complete bollocks of it. Sorry to be so negative, but I have seen a lot of “change” but have very, very little “hope.”

  2. He’s gotta be better than Kevin Martin. That guy seemed to be on some sort of personnel vendetta… This change was a long time coming. Yay for change.

  3. I know Mr. Genachowski and have had dealings with him so I beg to differ with Mr. Chopped Liver who apparently doesn’t know Mr. Genachowski.
    Mr. Genachowski is a very intellegent, well educated and well read man with a first rate intellect and should should do a very very good job, certainly better than his predecessor.

  4. Great. Another FOB (friend of Barrack) that has no clue about working in the trenches to run an agency that has no clue either.

  5. Documented proof that Genachowski “has no clue about working in the trenches,” wingnut moron–and NewsMax and Loofah Felafel and Rush Vicodin’s web sites don’t count.

  6. I will post a link to this page on my blog. I am sure my visitors will find that very useful!

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