FCC's Baker says agency should pick its battles

Federal Communications Commission member Meredith Baker reiterated her opposition to a controversial proposal to increase the FCC's power, suggesting the FCC needs to be more "judicious" in picking its battles.

Commissioner Baker, a Republican, panned the proposal from Democratic FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to place broadband Internet service under "Title II" rules, which are stricter than the current framework. "More judicious self-selection of the issues and proceedings we tackle would help us become a more predictable agency that fosters greater legal certainty, which can translate into private sector investment and jobs," she said. "The Title II fight has underscored that this agency has limited authority and cannot create jurisdiction on its own," she said.