McDowell Sails Through Hearing For FCC Seat

[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) said he would try to hold a vote on confirmation of FCC nominee Robert McDowell March 16. In a short hearing on the nomination that featured not a discouraging word, McDowell invoked the American Revolution in his opening statement, both comparing it to the current communications revolution and saying that he would similarly defend the right of free expression born of that revolution. McDowell, who comes to the commission from a post at telecom lobby Comptel (member companies include BellSouth for one), said that he had been in discussions with the White House and the FCC’s general counsel's office about possible conflicts and recusal procedures. McDowell said he would take the appropriate steps when necessary. But he also pointed out that commissioners had come straight from private sector companies without mass recusals and asked that his ability to judge impartially not be prejudged. McDowell declared himself a friend of the consumer and the markeplace, and a foe of the regulatory underbrush. He also said he would make it a priority to make sure the digital revolution reached every American, including rural and low-income areas, a particular priority of Sen Stevens'.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6314795?display=Breaking+News&referral=SUPP
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