FCC chief appears to aim for AT&T-BellSouth Vote in Fall

FCC CHIEF APPEARS TO AIM FOR AT&T-BELLSOUTH VOTE IN FALL
[SOURCE: MarketWatch, AUTHOR: Siobhan Hughes]
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin on Tuesday appeared to suggest that he is hoping to vote over the next month or so on whether to approve AT&T purchase of BellSouth. In late April, the FCC commenced a review of the transaction and the Commission generally tries to approve transactions six months after beginning its review. The Justice Department hasn't yet approved the merger. Traditionally, the FCC waits to act until the Justice Department has completed its own review. The FCC meets in two weeks and again on Oct. 12. Chairman Martin still faces questions about whether he will be able to count on both Republican colleagues on the five-member commission. FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell on Tuesday reiterated he may be recused from voting, given that his former employer opposes the merger. McDowell would be a crucial swing vote because the two Democrats may favor imposing conditions that don't fit in with Martin's largely hands-off approach.
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