On May 1, President Barack Obama announced his intention to nominate Tom Wheeler to be the chairman of the Federal Commutations Commission. President Obama also named, current FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn the Interim Chair of the FCC. The following statement can be attributed to Benton Foundation Chairman Charles Benton:
Too many people in the U.S. – including people of color, people living in rural areas, seniors, people with disabilities and people with low-incomes – are not yet participating fully in America’s economic, civic, and cultural life because they are not able to adopt the communications tools many of us take for granted. The Benton Foundation congratulates the Federal Communications Commission’s new leadership and looks forward to working with them to help bridge this unfortunate and costly divide. We believe that the important industries regulated by the FCC play a vital role in improving the country’s economy and quality of life. The Benton Foundation will continue to advocate for affordable broadband access for all, diversity of voices in media, and pragmatic communications-related policies that favor the public interest over the special interest.