What The heck Is An Open FCC Meeting And How Does It Work?

[Commentary] So for those of you first timers, and those of you who have gone so long without a contentious Federal Communications Commission meeting you’ve forgotten how it’s done, I’ve prepared this helpful guide on “what is an FCC meeting and what are the big items up for grabs.”

By law, the FCC must meet at least once each calendar month. Under the Government In The Sunshine Act, all Commission meetings are open to the public. If you plan to attend, you will need government-issued ID to get into the building. The meeting on network neutrality/open Internet starts at 10:30 a.m., but expect crowds, hopefully protesters as well. Sitting in front of the Commission is a table where sit the FCC staff charged with presenting the item.

The relevant staffer will read a summary of the item. The staffer will close with “staff request editorial privileges” which is a code word for “we may not actually have finished writing the item, especially if there was a bunch of last minute negotiation. We promise to get it written and circulated to all of you for sign off before we issue it to the public.”

Because of this, it may take some time for the actual item voted to appear on the FCC’s website or be publicly available. The Chair will then open the floor to each Commissioner in turn, by seniority, to make comments/read an official statement.

The batting Order is: Commissioners Mignon Clyburn, Jessica Rosenworcel, Ajit Pai, Michael O’Reilly. (It is coincidence that at the moment this is divided by party, with the Republicans all junior to the Democrats by seniority.) Then the Chairman will have the opportunity to make a statement. After that, the Chairman calls for a formal vote and each Commissioner votes.

The public does not get to speak. This is not an “open meeting” like a town hall where the FCC gathers evidence. This is like a floor vote in Congress. You get to watch the action but the outcome is usually determined in advance.