Commissioner McDowell: Filling FCC Seats Could Take a While

Former Federal Communications Commission member Robert McDowell warned that the replacements for former FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and himself might not be installed until late fall, if then.

He said he was not looking for a speedy confirmation and pointed to the "trifecta of scandals" the Administration was currently dealing with that could lead to holds on FCC and other nominees until certain documents were presented. The nominations of current commissioners Ajit Pai and Jessica Rosenworcel were both held up for months by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa). McDowell was asked whether he thought the Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn would push forward with major moves on the broadcast incentive auctions. He suggested that she may have to if the commission wants to keep the process moving.