Reducing regulatory burdens for broadcast media. Lowering the use of paper.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has been a champion of both since taking over leadership of the Commission from Tom Wheeler.
On Monday, two more proposals designed to “modernize” FCC processes were introduced by Pai.
In a brief statement made Monday, Pai said that he has presented his colleagues with two new proposals “to modernize and streamline the agency’s processes.”
Under the first, the FCC would continue the agency’s move toward electronic filing and correspondence by fully transitioning the Universal Licensing System—the agency’s largest licensing system—from paper to electronic format.
The second proposal would expedite the Commission’s hearing processes by expanding the use of written hearings (i.e. hearings conducted without live testimony).
“As the communications marketplace is being transformed by the digital revolution, we must continue to modernize our own operations,” Pai said. “That’s why I’m introducing two new proposals to update and streamline our processes for the digital age. By transitioning more records and communications from paper to electronic format, we can save money and increase our efficiency. And by streamlining our hearing rules, we can resolve disputes more quickly, which will benefit the private sector as well as the Commission. I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting these good-government initiatives.”
