Obama taps Julius Genachowski to head the FCC
by Donald Melanson 
posted Mar 4th 2009 at 1:18PM
As widely expected by most folks who speculate on such things, President Obama has now formally nominated lawyer and former venture capitalist Julius Genachowski to head up the Federal Communications Commission and fill the slot vacated by Bush appointee Kevin Martin. Among other things, Genachowski's nomination is particularly notable given his support for net neutrality, which he made quite well known during the Obama campaign in his role as a top technology advisor. Of course, if and when he gets confirmed, he'll also have his hands full with a few other tricky issues, including the widespread rollout of broadband services as a result of the recent stimulus package, and that small matter of the digital TV transition. [Via Wired Epicenter]
Filed under: Industry, Misc, Regulatory
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
chumley @ Mar 4th 2009 1:39PM
"lawyer and former venture capitalist"
Hmm. Why does this job usually seem to be given to a lawyer rather than someone who has prior experience dealing with technology?
Upthewazzu @ Mar 4th 2009 1:47PM
Young or old, black or white, dem or repub; it's always has been and always will be a gool 'ol boys club.
squiggleslash @ Mar 4th 2009 3:54PM
Because a lawyer is essentially a non-partisan politician. For a job like the FCC, the man in charge needs to be someone who has a handle on the issues, and a knowledge of policy management. Putting a radio ham in charge of the FCC might look like a good idea on paper, but the poor guy would end up killed by politics within minutes of taking office.
Michael @ Mar 4th 2009 4:47PM
Sorry for the double post but this should really be in reply
I agree with squigg on this a layer is better you really don't need to know that much about technology per se to run the FCC just be able to know how to run things . Your tech advisers and other people will be able to inform you about tech related issues that the chairperson will need to know about, otherwise its strictly a managerial task.
Michael @ Mar 4th 2009 4:46PM
I agree with squigg on this a layer is better you really don't need to know that much about technology per se to run the FCC just be able to know how to run things . Your tech advisers and other people will be able to inform you about tech related issues that the chairperson will need to know about, otherwise its strictly a managerial task.
GhostDoggy @ Mar 6th 2009 5:34AM
He had supported net neutrality. He's a lawyer and use to be in venture capital. He's now a political clown that will take lobby money on the side and cater to whomever has paid-for interests. :)