An Appreciation For Commissioner Adelstein
[Commentary] Although it is great that Julius Genachowski has joined the Federal Communications Commission, it is hard to see Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein go. He has been a Populist in the best sense of the word, and in the finest tradition of rural America. (i.e., someone who actually cares about people and takes the time to listen to them and fight for their issues.) Over the years, Adelstein has always tried to make the time to come to events where he can hear directly from people — whether at industry trade shows or a modest gathering of community wireless activists. He has always tried to make sure that everyone has the opportunity for meaningful access to both new media and old. He has spoken passionately about the need to make sure that the benefits of broadband are accessible to everyone. He has been a friend to PEG and leased access as means for independent programmers to bring independent viewpoints to cable and because of his appreciation for the importance of local programming. Side by side with Commissioner Copps, he toured the country and rallied opposition against any relaxation of media ownership rules. He pushed harder than anyone for the Commission to take on the problem of Payolla, and repeatedly called for more ways to get independent musicians and local talent on the air.
An Appreciation For Commissioner Adelstein