Obama's FCC Pick Another Good Sign for Open Media

[babylonsister]

Timothy Karr
Campaign Director, Free Press and SaveTheInternet.com
Posted March 4, 2009 | 08:41 AM (EST)

Obama's FCC Pick Another Good Sign for Open Media


As anticipated, Julius Genachowski has been tapped by President Barack Obama to head the Federal Communications Commission.

The move is another indication that incoming leadership in Washington will move decisively to protect the free flowing Internet from those seeking to become gatekeepers to new media.

It also fulfills Obama's promise made on the campaign trail to appoint an FCC chair who shares his support for Net Neutrality.

If confirmed by Senate, Genachowski would replace Kevin Martin, who left the agency the day Obama came into office. He brings two decades of experience from both the industry and policy side, having served as a top-executive in IT and venture capital firms and as former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt's chief legal counsel.

Genachowski also anchored the drafting of Obama's comprehensive media policy agenda that promotes fast and neutral Internet connections, and more competitive choices for the consumer.

"It is clear that he understands the importance of open networks and a regulatory environment that promotes innovation and competition to a robust democracy and a healthy economy," said Gigi Sohn of Public Knowledge.

Net Neutrality Momentum

With Genachowski's nomination, the pieces are falling into place for strong Net Neutrality protections under the new administration.

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-karr/obamas-fcc-pick-another-g_b_171710.html