FCC Is Back to Full Strength; Carr, Rosenworcel Confirmed

WASHINGTON—The FCC is back up to full strength, and Chairman Ajit Pai expressed pleasure that the Senate has confirmed Brendan Carr and Jessica Rosenworcel.

Jessica Rosenworcel

“I congratulate Brendan and Jessica on their confirmations,” said Pai in a statement.“As I know from working with each of them for years, they have distinguished records of public service and will be valuable assets to the FCC in the years to come. Their experience at the FCC makes them particularly well-suited to hit the ground running. I’m pleased that the FCC will once again be at full strength and look forward to collaborating to close the digital divide, promote innovation, protect consumers, and improve the agency’s operations.”

Brendan Carr

The commission has been down to three members since the Trump administration took office. Rosenworcel, a Democrat, is returning now to the commission, where she served from 2012 through the end of last year. Carr, a Republican, was general counsel of the FCC and previously was lead advisor to Commissioner Pai on wireless, public safety, and international issues.

There had been some haggling this week on the Hill over whether Carr should be confirmed for one year or six.

This story originally appeared on TVT's sister publication Radio World. 

Paul McLane

Paul McLane is editor in chief of Radio World, which he joined in 1996. He directs the editorial content of its print issues; RW's daily SmartBrief newsletters; webcasts; and a growing library of 140+ ebooks. He has interviewed directors of engineering, FCC chairs, Hall of Fame radio personalities and C-suite leaders about digital radio, connected cars, industry standards and other topics. Prior to RW he was an award-winning broadcast journalist and technology sales/marketing executive.