Obama To Nominate Mignon Clyburn For FCC Commissioner
She is currently the chair of the Washington Action Committee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 4/29/2009 7:52:03 PM
The president late Wednesday announced his intention to nominate South Carolina Public Service Commission member Mignon Clyburn to be a commissioner of the FCC.
Clyburn is a South Carolina public service commissioner and daughter of House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.). Sources said last week that she had already been vetted for the post by the administration.
She is currently the chair of the Washington Action Committee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).
Since Republicans like to pair such nominations, look for a Republican nominee soon to fill the seat of Deborah Taylor Tate, who had to exit in January.
Making way for Clyburn is Jonathan Adelstein, who last week was officially nominated as administrator of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to the Senate.
NARUC has been pushing the government to make it a key player in deciding who should get broadband stimulus grants, arguing it is in the best position to provide input and oversee data collection about broadband penetration.
At the American Cable Association convention in Washington this week, Public Knowledge President Gigi Sohn, anticipating the nomination, said she was "something of an unknown," adding that Clyburn has been more involved in energy than telcom issues. "Some people say that because she is a Southern PUC Commissioner. She will automatically be favorably disposed to the Bells. I can't really say. I haven't talked to her and I think a lot of people in Washington never have."
But she said Clyburn could be key to the success of presumptive Chairman Julius Genachowski. "All it takes is to have one member of the same party who doesn't toe your line and you don't get a whole lot accomplished."
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I had the priveledge of working with Ms. Mignon Clyburn for 5 years as News Director of "The Coastal Times" newspaper in Charleston, SC, of which she managed successfuly for 14 years. It was my personal experience in dealings with Ms. Clyburn that she is a dedicated and committed person to endeavors assigned. While stressed financially with the operation of the newspaper due to a competitive marketplace, limited media experience, and internal issues with employees such as myself, Ms. Clyburn persevered. She researched her market, educated herself on business operations, and personnally reached out to staff for direction. Moreso, she had a willingness to acknowledge her shortcomings and showed loving compassion and respect for those of us who needed support during tough times.
I am currently in the broadcast and wireless communications industry. I realize the significant responsibilies the FCC mandates. Ms. Clyburn has gone into many arenas unseasoned, but did what was necessary to do a great job. This position should be no different!
Alfrieda Deas-Mikell
CE0 & Founder
Bounce Back Incorprated
www.bouncebackincorporated.com
ALFRIEDA DEAS-MIKELL - 5/6/2009 10:38:58 AM EDT -
Ms.Clyburn is an outstanding choice for the FCC. She has a high level experience for a decade in public affairs and regulatory oversight. She edited an excellent community newspaper in Charleston, and has worked as a broadcaster in radio news. She actively volutneers for community and cultural organizations as well. She is southern voice, a woman with broad knowledge of the technical aspects government regulatory affairs, understands how to work with staff, and has survived major battles with public corporations. She will be an outsanding public servant.
Walter Rhett - 5/1/2009 9:04:37 AM EDT
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