Problems with FCC Advisory Committees

I’ve raised quite a few issues with the current operations of the FCC, especially the workings of the so-called 8th Floor, and the critical need to improve transparency and accountability. Let me add another area in need of review and reform: the FCC’s advisory committees (and councils). Specifically, I believe changes are necessary in such areas as the appointment process, internal operations, work assignments, reporting requirements, staff involvement, and implementation of recommendations. In other words, a top-to-bottom examination and overhaul is in order.

A fundamental problem with the current workings of the non-statutorily set advisory committees, however, is that the Chairman’s office has absolute and complete power over every aspect of their existence. The membership, selection of the committee chairs, timing of any reports and/or recommendations, and all other aspects of their operations are determined solely by the Chairman. Given our recent practices, I also worry whether participation by some outside parties is actually truly voluntary. The independence of the advisory committees must also be examined. In the end, the opinions and operations of the Commission’s advisory committees are only valid if the Commission allows them to offer independent, unbiased recommendations on the issues they consider. Failure to fix the problems identified above affects the integrity of these committees and raises unnecessary questions regarding their input.