WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, the four voting members of the FCC appeared at an oversight hearing convened by a House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology that touched on Republican leadership’s concerns over the aborted TEGNA acquisition by Standard General, among other key topics including spectrum auction authorization.
That failed deal was again a focal point of discussions regarding the Commission on Thursday, this time at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation nominations hearing to consider the renominations of two FCC Commissioners, a nomination for FCC Inspector General, and the all-important nomination by the Biden Administration of Anna Gomez for the long-empty fifth seat on the Commission.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the Senate Commerce Committee’s Ranking Member, took direct aim at FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, lashing out at her for what Cruz believes was her direct role in not convening a full Commission vote on Standard General’s now-failed bid for broadcast television station owner TEGNA — thus condemning it to a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge which, given that months-long timeframe, all but guaranteed the deal’s non-consummation.
As far as Cruz believes, the Rosenworcel Commission engaged in “procedural abuses that undermine the future of local broadcasting.”
With that stated, the nominations hearing moved on, touching on many broadband issues and how the digital divide in communities across the U.S.
The first nominee to take questions from the committee members was Democrat Geoffrey Starks, who along with Brendan Carr is being renominated as a Commissioner. Starks said it was “truly an honor” to be considered in front of the Committee, who was introduced by his home Senator, Jerry Moran (R-Kansas).
Starks’ opening statement was heavy on telecommunications and digital connectivity issues, and “internet for all” was a key theme.
Then came Gomez, who was praised by Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (R-Wash.), and New Mexico Democrat Ben Ray Luján.
Gomez shared how she’s been working in various capacities at the NTIA, the FCC and, briefly, “this very Committee.” And, she was humble about how she has been an effective leader in both the public and private sector, at a law firm, has done much to help her understand the needs for effective communication policy. Closing the digital divide was also a key focus of her comments, sharing that she knows what it means to ensure all in rural, tribal, suburban and urban communities have access to broadband. Ending spam calls and texts and ensuring an “open internet” — a sign she wants “net neutrality” back — were also top topics. “If confirmed I pledge to be guided by the law,” she said.
Speaking third was Carr, and connectivity challenges and broadband opportunities were also the main discussion points in his prepared comments. He reintroduced himself more broadly to the Commission, noting that he first joined the FCC as a staff more than a decade ago, later serving as a General Counsel.
Rounding out the nominees was Fara Damelin, for the role of FCC Inspector General.
A vMVPD RETRANS REVENUE CALL
Following opening statements from Carr and Damelin, “the decline of local news” became the first official topic of debate and discussion for all of the nominees, with Cantwell noting that a proceeding started nine years ago regarding streaming media services and “bargaining in good faith” needs to be revived. She asked all of the nominees if they would commit to opening the discussion officially as Commissioners.
“This is part of the record that we have not had since 2014 and I am eager to work with my colleagues,” said Starks, noting that the two Cable Acts passed do not “I think it is worth reopening.” For Carr, “If the Chair wants to reopen the docket and refresh the record, I’m definitely open to looking at that,” he said. “We can’t have an FCC stalled over the complexity over this issue,” Cantwell replied, noting that if local television stations are “undercut” in the negotiations, they continue to be challenged. Gomez agreed that a reopening of the docket was necessary, given the challenges in the marketplace. “I would certainly want to work with the Committee to understand the issue,” she said.
Further questioning from Sen. Cruz and key Democrat Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) also focused on digital issues, with no discussion on Radio.
