FCC nominee Gigi Sohn will not receive a confirmation vote on December 15

The Senate Commerce Committee will not be voting next week on Federal Communications Commission nominee Gigi Sohn [Senior Fellow and Public Advocate at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society]’s nomination because some committee members asked for more time to meet with her. That’s another ominous sign for her nomination, in the wake of fierce GOP criticism. And it seems to ensure that her possible confirmation — which is required to secure a Democratic majority at the FCC — won’t happen until 2022. Senate Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) had recently held out hope to include Sohn’s nomination on the committee’s agenda. “We want to move her, we’ve just got to figure out a few things,” Cantwell said. Senate offices have been looking at whether Sohn would have to recuse herself over her past role on TV streaming nonprofit Locast, according to Cantwell. Sohn has pledged to abide by whatever ethics professionals deem necessary. Miguel Roggero, CEO of Latino-owned Fuse Media, is offering “full support” to the embattled nominee, according to a copy of a letter dated December 9 and obtained by Politico. “Her commitment to diversity of ownership and viewpoints, along with her support for independent voices, will allow entertainment providers and companies of all sizes to be on a more level playing field, ultimately creating opportunities for more representation and inclusion in media,” Roggero wrote. His endorsement contrasts with recent attacks on Sohn from the League of United Latin American Citizens — which counts AT&T, Verizon, Charter and Comcast among its corporate partners — as well as right-leaning groups, which have accused Sohn of supporting the censorship of conservatives.