The Senate Commerce Committee considered the renomination of FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, and during the course of questioning, Clyburn confirmed that the FCC’s ownership proceeding is on ice until a new “lightning round” of commentary on licensee diversity is completed.
In her opening statement, Clyburn said that she can’t believe it’s been three years since her first appearance before the committee. At that time, there was no such thing as a tablet – that’s how fast things are moving in the communications sector.
She noted that one sixth of US economy can be linked to communications, and commented that the Commission makes itself available to all Americans and works on a bipartisan basis.
Says it’s important to get outside the Beltway and find out how FCC policies affect people.
And she also assured the assembled senators that the FCC is working on spectrum auctions as directed by Congress.
In answer to a question from Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Clyburn said that the FCC would not issue anything on the quadrennial review until after the extended comment period regarding the FCC’s Form 323 diversity of ownership results has elapsed. It calls for a comment deadline of 12/26/12 and a reply comment deadline of 1/4/13. Clyburn said the extension was in part due to her own personal request.
