The FCC loses Mr. Public Interest, Michael J. Copps

[Commentary] The Federal Communications Commission begins the new year without Mr. Public Interest, Michael J. Copps, an outspoken critic of media consolidation.

His strong, persistent voice will be missed on a panel evermore inclined to move newspapers, radio, television and broadband toward the smothering embrace of corporate conglomeration. The impact of consolidation on opportunities for minorities to buy and manage media outlets has been a special concern for Copps. Who, if anyone, will take on his awareness of, in his words, "nontraditional stakeholders" is not apparent. Two vacancies now exist on the five-member commission.

Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel and Republican Ajit Varadaraj Pai have been nominated by President Obama. Copps's tenacity and sense of urgency about media consolidation and diversity are job qualifications that must be met in the public interest.