The Big Items on the FCC's To-Do List

Did anyone really think that Julius Genachowski wouldn't leave the media ownership rules for the next guy? Or the always-in-court, nearly impossible to legally defend broadcast indecency rules? Even with 11th-hour pushes to take on both, it was clear throughout Genachowski’s tenure as Federal Communications Commission chairman that his heart was in expanding broadband and wireless services.

While he made headway in transforming the FCC into the Federal Broadband Commission, there’s still a lot to be done by the next chair. And while Mignon Clyburn may have broken the glass ceiling as acting chairwoman, she’s unlikely to take on anything controversial, leaving it all for nominee (ex-cable/wireless lobbyist) Tom Wheeler, whose Senate confirmation likely won’t move until September. Here’s what Genachowski left on his plate: 1) Spectrum Auctions, 2) Media Ownership, 3) Broadcast Indecency, and 4) Network Neutrality.