Researchers say Clyburn is FCC Wildcard

The Federal Communications Commission was just brought to full capacity after operating at just three commissioners for approximately six months. To fill the four vacant seats on the Commission, President Obama nominated Meredith Attwell Baker, Mignon Clyburn, and Julius Genachowski and re-nominated Commissioner Robert McDowell. As of July 24, 2009, all four had been confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Commission joining Commissioner Michael J. Copps.

Based on the breakdown across the issues, Commissioner Clyburn appears to be the unknown, important deciding factor in the future of the FCC. Drawing from what we know of Commissioner Clyburn and her father's (House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC)) political connections, it appears that the principle of Network Neutrality may be at risk in the coming years.

The most contentious issues among the commissioners will be Network Neutrality and media consolidation, issues that have created intense debate and were the focus of the Senate Committee hearings. The FCC will put an end to any further discussion of the Fairness Doctrine, which is opposed by all five of the commissioners and President Obama.