Rep Waxman’s Retirement: Though He Never ‘Went Hollywood,’ the Industry Loses a Strong Liberal Backer

Rep Henry Waxman’s pending retirement from Congress will not only leave Hollywood without its steady liberal lion in Washington, but also removes a strong proponent on a range of issues that affect the industry, from net neutrality to media ownership consolidation.

Rep Waxman (D-CA) worked to delay the switch to digital television when problems cropped up, helped provide another avenue for wireless providers to buy more time and in recent weeks expressed concerns about plans of the Tribune Co. to spin off its newspapers including the Los Angeles Times. Diminutive in size, the 74-year-old Rep Waxman never exactly “went Hollywood” in his nearly 40 years in Congress -- many of his more public battles were on liberal or consumer issues -- though his constituents included the denizens of Beverly Hills and the West side. But he was a fierce fighter and a “public powerhouse” who would go down as “one of the greatest legislators” in US history, said Sen Ed Markey (D-MA), who, as a House member, regularly co-sponsored legislation with Rep Waxman. “Henry is fearless and fair, a phenomenal fighter for consumers across our country. I am proud to call him my friend for four decades,” Sen Markey said.