WASHINGTON—In an announcement that could delay efforts to eliminate broadcast ownership rules and other regulations, Federal Communications Commission member Geoffrey Starks said he “will be leaving the Commission at the end of the week, June 6, 2025.”

Starks, a Democrat, had previously announced that he would be leaving before the FCC’s June 26 open meeting. His departure, coupled with that of Republican Commissioner Nathan Simington the same day, means the FCC will only have two Commissioners starting next week and will not have a quorum for votes until a new member is confirmed.

President Donald Trump has nominated Olivia Trusty to serve on the FCC. In late April the Senate Commerce Committee voted to confirm Trusty, a Republican, and send the nomination to the full Senate for a vote. That vote is still pending.

The departure of Starks and Simington puts additional pressure on the Senate to confirm Trusty prior to the June 26 open meeting and raises the prospect the agency's efforts to get rid of broadcast ownership rules could be further delayed.

In a blog post, FCC Chair Brendan Carr did not address what would happen with the agenda for the June open meeting if the agency lacks a quorum for votes.

“I want to express my thanks and appreciation to Commissioner Starks and Commissioner Simington for their public service, as both have announced today that they will be departing the FCC by the end of this week,” Carr wrote. “I wish them all the best in their next endeavors. But, as the saying goes, the show must go on. The FCC continues to have a busy agenda, and the agency will keep delivering great results for the American people. There’s a lot of time between now and our scheduled June 26 Commission meeting. So I wanted to lay out a couple of items that I would like to get done at the meeting if we can. Stay tuned on that front. What does he mean by that? I just said stay tuned. We always make a final decision about the Commission meeting and its agenda closer to the meeting date. We will do so again here.”

In his final statement, Starks noted: “Serving as a Commissioner has been the highlight of my career. I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved together. I want to thank my team, and all of the parties that work alongside the commission—from industry to public-sector advocates—for their collaboration and partnership. Most importantly, I want to thank the staff of the Commission—in my opinion, the very best of public servants. And, of course, thank you to all of my fellow Commissioners, past and present. Finally, I want to thank my amazing family for their love and support as I worked on behalf of the American people.”

WASHINGTON—Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said at the agency’s May 22 Open Meeting that it would be his last one as a member of the FCC.

Starks has previously announced his intention to resign from the FCC this spring but had not provided a specific date. His departure prior to the June Open Meeting, which has not yet been scheduled, puts more pressure on the U.S. Senate to confirm a new Commissioner.

President Donald Trump has nominated Olivia Trusty to serve on the agency. In late April the Senate Commerce Committee voted to confirm Trusty and send the nomination to the full Senate for a vote. Once the full Senate approves the nomination, she can join the FCC as the third Republican Commissioner.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr previously issued a statement praising Starks public service when Starks first announced his retirement in March.

After Starks announced on May 22 that the May Open Meeting would be his last at the FCC, Gomez issued a statement saying, “I want to thank Commissioner Starks for his many years of public service. In addition to his time as a Commissioner, he served in leadership in the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau as well as the Department of Justice.”

“While he left his mark on many important proceedings, his commitment to public service and leadership on affordable connectivity and national security efforts made a significant impact on the FCC’s success,” she continued. “Equally as important to me, he has been a supportive friend and colleague, and I wish him great success in his next chapter.”

WASHINGTON—Federal Communications Commission commissioner Geoffrey Starks has issued a statement saying he plans to resign from the regulatory agency “this spring.”

Both FCC chair Brendan Carr and FCC commissioner Anna Gomez issued statements commending his public service.

“Today I sent a letter to the President and Leader Schumer indicating that I intend to resign my seat as a Commissioner this spring,” Starks said. “Serving the American people as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of my life. With my extraordinary fellow Commissioners and the incredible career staff at the agency, we have worked hard to connect all Americans, promote innovation, protect consumers, and ensure national security. I have learned so much from my time in this position, particularly when I have heard directly from Americans on the issues that matter to them. I have been inspired by the passion, engagement and commitment I have seen from colleagues, advocates, and industry. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to working with the Chairman and my fellow Commissioners, and all FCC staff, to further the mission of the agency.”

Rumors of Starks' resignation surfaced in December, when it was reported he was under pressure by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to remain at the agency as long as possible to delay the implementation of a Republican majority and agenda.

President Trump has nominated Olivia Trusty to serve on the Federal Communications Commission but she must be confirmed by U.S. Senate before the Republicans have a a 3-2 majority. Currently the FCC is deadlocked at 2 to 2.

In response to the news FCC chair Brendan Carr said "I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to my friend and colleague Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. He has had a tremendous run in public service. From senior leadership roles at the Department of Justice and in the Commission’s own Enforcement Bureau to serving as the Senior Democrat on the Federal Communications Commission, the American people have benefited greatly from Commissioner Starks’ public service."

“Commissioner Starks led many of the FCC’s national security initiatives," Carr added, "and I welcomed the chance to work closely with him on important matters, including promoting new innovations, protecting consumers, and bringing families across the digital divide. Commissioner Starks put in the work and leaves an impressive legacy of accomplishments in public service. I always learned a lot from him and benefited from the many events we held together."

“I wish Geoffrey, his wife Lauren, and their children all the best," Carr concluded. "And I look forward to continuing our friendship after his public service ends.”

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez said "I want to thank Commissioner Starks for his dedicated service to our country and his invaluable contributions to the FCC. His expertise on national security issues and his deep understanding of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau have been instrumental in advancing the agency’s mission.

"Throughout his remarkable career in public service, Commissioner Starks has demonstrated unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and strengthening our communications networks," Gomez added. "I wish him the very best in his future endeavors and look forward to our continued friendship.”

WASHINGTON—Following the Trump administration’s widespread crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion programs at U.S. government agencies, FCC chair Brendan Carr is now arguing the agency can end DEI programs at any entity it regulates and has asked the Enforcement Bureau to launch an investigation into such programs at Comcast and NBCUniversal.

In a letter to Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts, Carr called DEI efforts an “invidious” form of discrimination and contended that “the Communications Act and Commission rules prohibit regulated entities—like Comcast and NBCUniversal—from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age or gender. Indeed, the FCC’s longstanding Equal Employment Opportunity or EEO rules set forth specific requirements that both Comcast and NBCUniversal must adhere to.”

In what seems to be an emerging practice at the agency, the FCC did not immediately make the documents easily findable or available on its public website. Instead, Carr posted the letter and details about the investigation on X.

In the letter to Roberts, Carr referenced Trump’s executive orders banning DEI efforts at federal agencies.

“At my direction, the FCC has already taken action to end its own promotion of DEI,” he wrote. “As a next step, the FCC will be taking fresh action to ensure that every entity the FCC regulates complies with the civil rights protections enshrined in the Communications Act and the agency’s EEO rules, including by shutting down any programs that promote invidious forms of DEI discrimination.”

Carr added: “I am starting this broader effort with Comcast and NBCUniversal for two reasons. First, as noted above, there is substantial evidence that your companies are still engaging in the promotion of DEI. Second, your companies cover a range of sectors regulated by the FCC—from cable to high-speed Internet and from broadcast TV stations to MVNO wireless offerings. Therefore, I expect that this investigation into Comcast and its NBCUniversal operations will aid the Commission’s broader efforts to root out invidious forms of DEI discrimination across all of the sectors the FCC regulates.

“As chairman of the FCC, it is important to me that the entities the Commission regulates fully adhere to the FCC’s rules and regulations,” he continued. “In order to aid the FCC’s investigation into these matters, please provide the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau with an accounting of Comcast’s and NBCUniversal’s DEI initiatives, preferences, mandates, policies, programs, and activities—including DEI activities that are ongoing but may be operating today under different labels. The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau will be following up with more specifics.”

The Trump administration’s move to ban DEI efforts has already pushed several media companies to end their programs. Both Disney and PBS have ended those programs.

In response to Carr's letter, Democratic FCC commissioner Geoffrey Starks issued a statement calling it outside the agency’s authority.

“Then-Commissioner Carr blasted the prior administration for acting in a way that ‘gives the FCC a nearly limitless power to veto private sector decisions’ [in 2023],” Starks wrote. “From what I know, this enforcement action is out of our lane and out of our reach. I have asked for a briefing to understand the Enforcement Bureau’s theory of the case, the authority relied upon, and any prior precedent. This action gives me grave concern.”

WASHINGTON—Federal Communications Commission member Geoffrey Starks has announced that policy adviser Milla Anderson left his office last week for a position in the private sector.

“Milla has been a star member of my team,” the Democratic commissioner said. “She brought her skills and experience from Congress, and played an integral role in advancing my priorities in a number of proceedings including our implementation of the Safe Connections Act and reforms to Incarcerated People’s Communications Services. I wish her the best!”

Following Anderson’s departure, Starks reported that Kiara Ortiz will be acting legal adviser.

Ortiz comes from the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau, where she was legal adviser to the bureau chief. She began her career at the commission as an honors attorney. She has a law degree from American University’s Washington College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College.

“I am glad to have Kiara join my team,” Starks said. “I’ve seen firsthand her leadership in the Wireline Competition Bureau and am excited to have her counsel.”

In remarks to the 6G Symposium, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks noted that the 6G “network evolution presents opportunity on an enormous scale” while warning that he is “clear-eyed about the very real and complex challenges we face. Challenges that could threaten our collective vision of a more connected and prosperous 6G ecosystem.”

Those challenges include the lapse in the FCC's authority to conduct auctions that would free up spectrum for 6G deployments and need to develop technologies and strategies that would "make 6G our most energy efficient generation yet."

“What happens over the next 18 to 24 months will be critical for 6G," he said. "So we need a concerted strategy for overcoming obstacles and ensuring this rapidly-developing technology reaches its full potential. I believe a successful rollout of 6G holds the promise of a more vibrant economy, sustainable networks, and connect communities.”

Newer 6G technologies will be important for broadcasters and producers because they will provide even more robust networks for content contribution and creation. They could also be used in combination with NextGen TV offerings for datacasting and other services. 

In the Sept. 23 speech, Starks explained that current work on 5G and 5G advanced networks and that a number of industry trends are laying “the cornerstones” for 6G. 

Those include the “immense promise is disaggregation,” he said. “Decoupling the hardware and software functions of network components means they can be sourced from multiple vendors. With a modular stack, network operators will have new flexibility to incorporate products and services that best fit their needs. And, they can swap components or make upgrades quickly and nimbly.”

“There is no doubt that these open platforms are starting to take root; domestically, one nationwide carrier is rolling out a cloud-native Open RAN network, and globally there have been more than 100 Open RAN deployments,” he added. 

Starks stressed that the federal government has been supporting the development and deployment of Open RAN and that “there is a whole-of-government approach well underway to advance this technology. 

“At the FCC, I’m happy to say we’re our part; we recently adopted the 5G Fund, which will include up to $900 million in incentives for Open RAN deployment,” he explained. 

In addition, he noted that “NTIA continues to make decisive progress implementing the $1.5 billion Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund supporting the development and deployment of Open RAN networks.”

But he stressed that “these network advances can only do so much if we’re not providing the spectrum they need to operate. And on that front, we face real challenges. As everyone here knows, the FCC has been without auction authority since March 9, 2023. This authority isn’t just foundational to the agency and the development of 6G, it’s foundational to the country as a whole. The Commission’s auction authority drives innovation, enhances competition, and strengthens our national security. Put plainly, auctions help us free up spectrum and put it into the hands of those who value it the most.”

Despite this problem, Starks argued that they are making crucial progress in implementing “the National Spectrum Strategy. Execution of the strategy will serve as a vital down payment on 6G. By taking an all-the-above approach, this plan puts more spectrum on the table than anticipated,  2,786 MHz versus a target of 1,500. It includes a mix of bands, and will support licensed, unlicensed, and shared models -- all tools that will be useful for deployment of 6G networks."

“So while we’ve accomplished much laying the groundwork for the 6G transition, it’s clear there’s more work to be done. Earlier this year, we made some very important progress when the White House forged a broad international consensus on shared principles for the research and development of 6G. This agreement buttressed open, interoperable, and secure connectivity. Leveraging the strength of our shared commitments to market economies and transparency will ensure those values are baked into rather than bolted on to 6G standards. The importance of principles-based agreements like this cannot be overstated. Without them, we risk falling short of 6G’s full potential while exposing ourselves to new risks.”

An illustration of that, is what 6G networks could mean for sustainability and the environment. 

“Like 5G, 6G has the potential to increase our energy efficiency and reduce our emissions in areas like manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation," he said. "But we simply cannot take this for granted. We’ve got to do the hard work. In 2020, the information and communication technology sector was responsible for approximately 4 percent of global energy consumption and approximately 1.4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. As data-rich, high-bandwidth applications enabled by advanced 5G and 6G technologies proliferate, so too will mobile data traffic. GSMA Intelligence predicts that by 2030, mobile data traffic is expected to grow more than fourfold, reaching over 5,400 exabytes.”

This ever growing data traffic as well as the fact that 6G will be the first wireless technology to incorporate AI “will also mean a dramatic rise in the amount of data being generated to train AI models. That will require a massive increase in energy to accommodate the new compute power we’ll need throughout networks.”

This means the industry needs to work to reduce its carbon footprint. 

“We took a step in the right direction with the White House’s international 6G principles agreement which encourages energy-efficient deployments and operation,” he noted. “When I look ahead, I see real promise for new strategies that will make 6G our most energy efficient generation yet. Utilizing micro-sleep techniques, networks can deactivate and reactivate during periods of low activity, conserving energy without impacting user experience. By implementing new waveform designs, networks will adapt more efficiently to different frequency bands, enhancing spectral efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy expenditure. Or dynamic adjustments in the number of active antenna in response to fluctuating traffic loads, allowing for tailored resource allocation based on actual demand. And, of course, all of these techniques could be applied across multiple 6G networks simultaneously through network slicing. Meaning each network slice could be optimized for specific services while minimizing energy consumption based on real-time demands.”

“But as I’ve said, my optimism about the future is clear-eyed,” he concluded “The promise of 6G will only be realized through a collective commitment to our shared values. It will take a concerted push, informed by conferences like this, to keep us on the right path. So, I want to extend an offer to any of you that have ideas about making our networks more efficient – please come and see me.”

As Congress worked overtime to keep the federal government open this weekend, the Senate also unanimously voted to confirm Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr to serve another term as commissioners on the FCC.

Carr, a Republican, has served as commissioner since 2017; Starks began his term as a Democratic commissioner in 2019. 

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement:

“Americans need a fully-equipped FCC that is ready to deliver on an agenda that puts consumers first. The agency cannot afford another deadlock or delay when it comes to expanding affordable broadband, protecting the security of our communications networks, driving innovative spectrum policies, and strengthening our local news. Today’s confirmation of Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr allows the FCC to have full membership and move forward.”

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel offered her congratulations on the approval. 

“I want to congratulate Commissioners Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks on their unanimous confirmation by the Senate,” she said. "Brendan has been a dedicated public servant during his time at the FCC.  I look forward to continuing working together to find common ground, including on efforts to improve network resiliency and on critical national security matters.

“In addition, I want to congratulate Geoffrey for his ongoing commitment to public service and for his important contributions to the agency and its work. His invaluable insights at the Commission have helped us reach more communities through the Affordable Connectivity Program, and I'm excited to continue our successful partnerships to help more households remain connected. 

“With a complete Senate-confirmed Commission, the FCC is now ready to take on our full slate of work and fulfill our commitment to ensuring Americans everywhere have access to the best, most reliable communication services in the world.”

NAB also chimed in: 

"NAB congratulates Commissioners Starks and Carr on their Senate reconfirmations. Broadcasters value their commitment and leadership, and thank them for their work to ensure our ability to grow our life-line service to the benefit of viewers and listeners across the country. We are eager to continue working with Commissioners Starks and Carr, and the full Commission, to modernize policies that allow local broadcasters to best serve our communities."

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation has approved the nomination of Anna Gomez to be a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission as well as the renomination of Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr to additional terms as commissioners of the FCC. 

The move sends the three nominations to the full Senate for a vote that would break the two to two deadlock among Democratic and Republican appointees on the FCC. 

The Biden administration’s previous nomination Gigi Sohn for the fifth seat on the FCC never received a Senate vote. 

In her opening statement prior to the votes, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Committee said that the “FCC impacts nearly every part of our lives and domestic economy. Whether the agency is focused on improving wireless communications, ensuring robust broadband deployment, reviewing the media marketplace or protecting the nation from foreign threats. The FCC’s oversight ensures that today’s hyper-connected environment works for consumers.”

“Ms. Gomez is a dedicated public servant with 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry,” Cantwell also noted. “If confirmed, she will be the first Latina on the Commission in more than 20 years. Ms. Gomez has demonstrated she has the experience and judgment to be highly effective in this role as commissioner and has earned bipartisan support for her nomination.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a move that puts the FCC one step closer to having a full complement of five commissioners, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, has announced that she will convene a full committee Executive Session on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. ET to consider the nominations for the Federal Communications Commission and the National Transportation Safety Board, along with Coast Guard promotions. 

At that time the committee will take up the nomination of Anna Gomez to be a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (PN673) and the renomination of Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr to new terms as commissioners.

If they pass the Committee vote they would still need to be approved by the full Senate. The FCC has been divided between two Republican and two Democratic commissioners and the approval of Anna Gomez would put it in a better position to move forward with some of the administration’s proposals. 

During the hearing the Committee will also consider the nomination of Fara Damelin to be inspector general of the Federal Communications Commission; Alvin Brown to be a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (PN114) and some Coast Guard promotions 

The hearing will be streamed live here. 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a move that the White House hopes will break the deadlock on the FCC, President Joe Biden has announced that he will nominate Anna M. Gomez as a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission. 

The FCC has been deadlocked between two Democratic nominated commissioners and two Republican-nominated commissioners. Biden’s nomination of Gigi Sohn stalled in the Senate and she withdrew her name from consideration in March.  

Gomez will still have to be confirmed by the Senate before she can join the FCC. 

In the same announcement, Biden renominated Geoffrey Adam Starks for a second five year term as commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission and Brendan Carr for a second five year term. 

In a statement FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, “I congratulate Anna Gomez on her nomination to serve as FCC Commissioner. She brings with her a wealth of telecommunications experience, a substantial record of public service, and a history of working to ensure the U.S. stays on the cutting edge of keeping us all connected.”

Anna M. Gomez is a telecommunications attorney with extensive experience in domestic and international communications law and policy. Gomez serves as a Senior Advisor for International Information and Communications Policy in the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Gomez served as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Deputy Administrator from 2009 to 2013. She also served for 12 years in various positions at the Federal Communications Commission, including as Deputy Chief of the International Bureau and as Senior Legal Advisor to then-Chairman William E. Kennard. Gomez also served briefly as Counsel on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Communication and as Deputy Chief of Staff of the National Economic Council during the Clinton Administration. Prior to joining the State Department in 2023, Gomez was a partner in Wiley LLP’s telecommunications media and technology group. Gomez also was Vice president for Federal and State Government Affairs at Sprint Nextel and an Associate at Arnold and Porter.

Born in Orlando, Florida, Gomez spent her childhood in Bogota, Colombia before her family relocated to New Jersey. She now resides in Virginia. Gomez earned her B.A. in Pre-Law from Pennsylvania State University and her J.D. from George Washington University Law School.

In a statement, NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said "NAB congratulates Anna Gomez on her nomination by President Biden to serve as an FCC Commissioner. Ms. Gomez possesses a wealth of experience in media and telecommunications, most notably from her service as acting administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration during the nation’s transition to digital television. With Next Gen TV launching in markets around the country, if confirmed, Ms. Gomez can bring her demonstrated ability to work with industry, manufacturers and consumers to help ensure a smooth and expeditious transition for millions of Americans.

“We applaud the Biden Administration’s ongoing commitment to diversity and are eager to work with all the Commissioners on policies that better enable the broadcast industry to reflect the diverse communities we serve," LeGeyt added. "NAB looks forward to the confirmation process and learning more about Ms. Gomez’s commitment to the critical services local television and radio stations provide to their communities."

“NAB also congratulates Commissioners Carr and Starks on their renominations," LeGeyt also said. "Both have demonstrated an appreciation for the importance of a vibrant local broadcast industry, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves to better understand the impact posed by today's changed competitive landscape.”

PHILADELPHIA—The future of broadcast television can be found in the ongoing deployment of NextGen TV, aka ATSC 3.0, broadcasts, explained FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks in a speech this week at the University Of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Center For Technology, Innovation & Competition.

During the address, Starks discussed a number of the innovative features of NextGen TV, which he argued will allow “one of our oldest forms of media” broadcast television “to continue to play an exciting role in our dynamic media ecosystems.”

That’s because NextGen TV will bring a host of new innovative services to the public that range from higher quality 4K video and audio to hyper-local services, datacasting and better emergency alerts, Starks said. 

“Having the TV broadcast industry use the same language as the internet [with an IP based broadcast standard] means that the public airwaves can be another form of distribution for the content that you find on the internet, or on streaming media, in addition to what we think of as traditional broadcast content,” he said. “I’m excited about the potential benefits of this. More free content, over-the-air—the opportunity for a greater diversity of programming that represents broadcasters’ communities, with the high video and audio quality you’re accustomed to with streaming, but for free, for everyone; and the possibility of hyper-local content, which could be used to enhance emergency alerting capability.”

Given the potential advantages of a quick rollout of NextGen TV services, Starks also wondered if the FCC could play a larger role in helping the technology become more widely adopted. 

“[I]s there perhaps an effort for the FCC to lead here, as we did in developing a Congressionally mandated digital transition equipment subsidy program, or using our role as the regulator of television equipment?” Starks asked. “Let’s get creative.  I want to hear the industry’s ideas here.”

But Starks also stressed that NextGen TV, which is an IP-based system, will make broadcasting more like the Internet, which in turn raises some important privacy issues given the new capabilities it will offer broadcasters to collect consumer data for targeted advertising and content delivery. 

“I support this technology,” Starks said. “It has key advancements, and I want to see American consumers benefiting from them in the near term. But like many promising innovations, we must also set proper guardrails.” 

To do that, Starks noted that the FCC will need to understand what data broadcasters will be able to collect from users, how they will use that data and how it will be stored and shared.

Starks also noted that the FCC would need to know how broadcasters are thinking about those issues and how targeted advertising would fit in with existing legislation regulating ads on children’s TV and prohibitions against discrimination. 

“These are big questions, and they may not have answers yet,” Starks said. “But this is what’s great about innovation, and where we are now in the development of the media and advertising ecosystem.  We know to ask these questions, and we can make sure that the answers are developed with the public interest in mind. I look forward to the dialogue.”

WASHINGTON—Broadband access, media consolidation and diversity within the broadcast workforce are on the list of priorities for FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, who outlined his plans in an address to the Media Institute this week. 

Top of the list is improving access to broadband, particularly in light of the pandemic, which closed schools, forcing students to learn from home. Declaring access to the internet a civil right, Starks noted that tens of millions of U.S. families still lack access to high speed broadband, adding that the majority of those families are headed by people of color. 

“Black people and other people of color in America are still, by a wide margin, significantly less likely to have a home broadband connection than their white counterparts,” Starks said. “An essential piece of our broadband deployment challenge is creating digital equity by bridging the digital divide and the opportunity divide.”

Starks cited recent legislation designed to address the divide including the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which created a $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund and the FCC’s vote this week to provide funding to eligible schools and libraries to purchase eligible equipment and services for use at locations other than a school or library. In addition, President Biden’s proposed $2.3 trillion infrastructure package, aka the “American Jobs Plan,” targets $100 billion dollars to connect every American to high-speed broadband. 

Starks also noted that along with promoting policies that increase access to broadband, local TV and radio are also an important source of news and information (and among the most trusted), particularly during the past year, but that their survival is being threatened by media conglomerates more interested in the bottom line than in serving their local communities. 

“Localism is one of the pillars that guides the FCC’s regulation of broadcasting, and now more than ever local TV stations must rise to the challenge of continuing to serve local audiences while at the same time navigating the evolving media landscape and managing the evolving needs of their diverse populations of consumers,” Starks told the Media Institute.

Improving diversity in media ownership and employment is also on the commissioner’s to-do list as well.

“The FCC must make sure that every aspect of this industry—from who owns the license to who makes decisions in the production room to who sits in front of the camera—reflects our diversity, he said. “Why is diversity so important? Because what we see and hear, and who we see and hear it from, impacts the way we view our world, our society and ourselves.”

Citing the recent U.S. Supreme Court “Prometheus Radio Project” case, in with the court found that the FCC’s relaxation of media ownership rules was appropriate, Starks said that while the court did agree that the rules at stake—designed to promote competition, localism and diversity—were no longer necessary to serve the agency’s public interest goals, and that the rule changes were not likely to harm minority and female ownership, “nothing in the decision disturbed our long-established ruling that the Commission can take into account how diversity will be affected by our media ownership decisions.

“That’s a big win for agency deference under the Administrative Procedure Act that should provide the necessary space to revisit our rules with diversity front and center as a consideration,” Starks said.

Starks also reiterated his support for a commission inquiry to restart the EEO data collection.

“I welcome the debate over whether there are any valid outstanding concerns—constitutional or otherwise—about how to proceed with fulfilling our statutory obligations here and ensure the promotion of diversity in broadcasting,” he said. “This inquiry is long overdue, and I hope we can move the proceeding forward in short order.”

Finally, Starks reminded the audience about another FCC inquiry on updating the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA), which is designed to help “ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to fully utilize communications services and equipment and better access video programming.” The updates focus on closed captioning, emergency information and improved user interfaces for individuals with disabilities. 

“The Commission recently adopted rules to extend requirements for broadcasters and other video service providers to provide audio description for programming in 40 additional marketing areas over the next four years,” Starks said. “I look forward to developing a record on this important opportunity to update these regulations to ensure that everyone can fully and equally participate in the digital revolution.”

LAS VEGAS—Speaking in front of the Consumer Technology Association’s Government Affairs Council, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks took the time to recognize many of the biggest tech advancements being made today, but rather than just marvel at them, take a critical look at where they are coming from and how we may need to protect ourselves against them.

Giving his speech on Jan. 6 before the official start of the CES 2020 conference, Starks laid out what his primary goals will be for 2020: “... ensuring that our communications networks and technologies support security, privacy and our democratic values.”

Starks brought up many different forms of technologies that on the surface prove beneficial to our everyday lives—entities accessing our data for more personalization; algorithms that can help classify and research topics based on data and past trends; and face recognition technology for increasing security. But he also offered instances where all of these technologies can prove dangerous or misleading.

“We must undertake, right now and continuously, the thorough examination of all these new capabilities to decide now how we will ensure that they are all poised to serve a future that creates opportunities instead of reinforcing existing inequalities,” he said.

He also brought up the potential danger he sees in China. He notes that he has been working to remove equipment provided by Huawei and ZTE from communications networks because he says there have been instances when such equipment transferred secure data to the Chinese government. He also says that technology developed in China is often not taking into consideration the civil liberties that are required for non-authoritarian regimes.

Potentially helping alleviate all of this, according to Starks, is 5G.

“I am optimistic that technology developments, especially 5G standards, will support our efforts to improve network and data security,” he said. But still, it will fall on people to make sure that the new technology meets the appropriate standards.

“If we work together, I am confident we can build a future that is more advanced, more secure and more prosperous, and more equitable for all.”

LAS VEGAS—Broadcasters attending the 2019 NAB Show have the chance to hear from four members of the Federal Communications Commission.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai will deliver remarks Tuesday, April 9, at 3 p.m. during the NAB: We Are Broadcasters Celebration. FCC Commissioners Michael O’Rielly, Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks will offer their insights Monday, April 8, at the “Raining 3s: A Q&A with FCC Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr and Starks.”

Named chairman by President Donald Trump in January 2017, Pai has set a regulatory course aimed at making sure the agency’s rules reflect the realities of the existing marketplace, NAB said.

Pai, who was appointed an FCC commissioner by former-President Barack Obama in 2012, has worked to update media regulations to match the changing media market, it added.

During their session, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr and Starks will offer their views on the current regulatory and legislative agenda, NAB added.

More information is available on the NAB Show website.

WASHINGTON--It was perhaps the shortest Open Meeting held by the Federal Communications Commission to date when the FCC convened on Wednesday Jan 30 to welcome its employees back after the government shut down and to formally welcome new FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks.

Starks is a Democratic addition to the commission, who said he will continue to focus on protecting the most vulnerable and holding wrongdoers accountable, something he has strived to do throughout his career, he said in his first published comments after being sworn in as commissioner on Jan. 30.

“All communities have a right to be heard on communications policy, regardless of their resources,” he said. “Every community has a stake in the future of communications in this country and all have the right to be heard. I will always be listening.”

He fills the seat left by Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who stepped down after eight years at the commission.

He also announced the staff that will be working in his office, including Daudeline Meme, who will serve as acting chief of staff. Meme has served in the International Bureau’s Telecommunications & Analysis Division as well as legal advisor for former Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. She also previously served as chief of staff of the Enforcement Bureau.

Starks was confirmed by the Senate on Jan. 2, 2019. His career includes public and private sector experience, including serving as assistant bureau chief of the FCC Enforcement Bureau, where he focused on consumer protection, network security and supporting the commission's Universal Service Fund program.

Previously, the 38-year-old Starks served as senior counsel in the office of the deputy attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice where he provided advice on domestic and international law enforcement issues. Prior to his entry into federal public service, Commissioner Starks was an attorney at the law firm Williams and Connolly, clerked for the Honorable Judge Duane Benton on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, served as a legislative staffer in the Illinois State Senate and worked as a financial analyst.

Like FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, Commissioner Starks is a native of Kansas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College and a law degree from Yale Law School. He resides in Washington, D.C. with his wife, Lauren, and their two children.

WASHINGTON—The Senate this week confirmed Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks to full five-year terms as FCC commissioners.

Starks, who most recently served as assistant chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, fills the seat left vacant with the departure of Mignon Clyburn in spring 2018.

“I congratulate Geoffrey on his Senate confirmation,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, adding he appreciates how Stark drew attention to the need for expanding rural broadband and the importance of telemedicine during his confirmation hearing. “I look forward to working with him and having a fellow Kansan on the Commission.”

Brendan Carr originally was nominated to be an FCC commissioner by President Trump to fill the seat left vacant by the departure of former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. He was confirmed unanimously by the Senate in August 2017. Before his confirmation, Carr served as the general counsel of the commission.

“I also congratulate Brendan on his confirmation to a full term. Brendan has done tremendous work on a number of issues, including his leadership on wireless infrastructure modernization,” said Pai. “He has also been a stanch advocate for rural broadband deployment, particularly for precision agriculture and advancements in telemedicine.”

NAB lauded the confirmation of both commissioners. “These are two dedicated public servants with a firm grasp on telecommunications policy that will serve the American people well. Broadcasters look forward to working with an FCC that now has its full complement of five members. 

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump has nominated Geoffrey Starks as Federal Communications Commissioner. Starks, who is currently the assistant bureau chief of the FCC’s enforcement bureau would serve the remainder of a five year term ending June 30, 2022. Starks would replace Democrat Mignon Clyburn, who recently resigned. Starks was also a senior counsel at the U.S. Justice Department. His nomination, which is backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, is subject to Senate confirmation.

“I congratulate Geoffrey Starks on his forthcoming nomination to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said. “He has a distinguished record of public service, including in the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, and I wish him all the best during the confirmation process.”

[Read: It’s Official: Clyburn Leaving Commission]

“NAB strongly supports President Trump’s selection of Geoffrey Starks to a seat on the Federal Communications Commission. We endorse his swift confirmation.”