Commissioner Copps Takes a Bow

In what was billed as the largest-ever collection of current and former FCC Commissioners, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association hosted a Minority Media & Telecommunications Council salute to retired Commissioner Michael Copps, who exited the FCC at the end of December.

NCTA headquarters was an appropriate venue, since the association is headed by one of Copps’ former chairman, Michael Powell, and now employs one of his former top aides, Rick Chessen. There was no lack of quorum at this meeting of FCC minds, with 14 former commissioners and a video from former chairman Bill Kennard. Actually, there technically was, since only two of the three current commissioners were there. FCC Chairman Genachowski had a conflict, but sent Chief of Staff Zac Katz to speak for him. The afternoon event was filled with lots of hugs and a few tears as former colleagues–his policy foes remain friends and fans, something of an anomaly in Washington–stepped up to the mic, and the Mike, to wax eloquent. Commissioner Copps said he would continue working on the issues he remains passionate about. Almost on cue as this item was being written, an e-mail came from the Benton Foundation with this blog item from Copps on one of the hot topics of the day, broadcast disclosure.