Obama Picks Fan of Net Neutrality to Head FCC

Posted by mcjoan, Daily Kos at 12:53 PM on January 13, 2009.

The news is out that Obama intends to nominate his technology adviser, Julius Genachowski to head the FCC.

During the campaign, Genachowski promoted a detailed technology and innovation plan that supports net neutrality protections, expansion of affordable broadband and media-ownership rules that encourage more diversity.

The 46-year-old Genachowski served as chief counsel to former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt from 1994-1997. He is also the co-founder of Rock Creek Ventures and LaunchBox Digital, a special adviser at General Atlantic, and a member of various boards of directors and advisers. From 1997-2005, he was a senior executive at IAC/InterActiveCorp, variously serving as chief of business operations, general counsel and a member of the office of the chairman.

Genachowski was responsible for the Obama campaign technology plan, diaried here by Nuisance Industry. The highlights of that agenda include an open Internet -- Net Neutrality, encouraging media diversification, strengthening privacy rights of consumers, and expanding affordable broadband access across the country. It's an ambitious and excellent plan that the telcos are going to hate.

Free Press, the media reform organization that's been leading the way on many of these issues, including Net Neutrality, applauds the choice:

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."

The first challenge for Genachowski and Obama's tech/media team is dealing with the national switch to digital broadcast television on Feb. 17. Last week, Obama transition team co-chair John Podesta urged Congress to postpone that conversion. We found out last week that the funding for the digital converter box coupon program had run out. The program provided up to two $40 coupons to households who don't have cable to offset the cost of the converter. In rural and underserved areas, there are plenty of non-cable and satellite consumers, and the cost of the conversion could be onerous for many. It's a delay that makes sense from a consumer standpoint, and it's refreshing that the consumer is being considered for once.

Update: Via e-mail, news that the indie music community is encouraged, too. Here's the statement from the president of The American Association of Independent Music, Rich Bengloff:

"We are encouraged by the appointment of a supporter of net neutrality as FCC Chairman. Net neutrality is very important issue to the independent label community, as it assures equal access for players of all sizes to the technologies through which independent artists and labels promote and distribute their work. We hope this appointee will also respect Intellectual property and the need for artists and labels to be fairly compensated for the works they create."

Tagged as: technology, obama, net neutrality, fcc, technology adviser, julius genachowski