Regressive progressives at the FCC

[Commentary] The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the embodiment of the Progressive and New Deal era ideals from which it was born. Under Tom Wheeler’s leadership, it has consistently championed progressive policies supported and advanced by progressive advocates and interests. At each turn, the commission wastes no opportunity to congratulate itself for the good work that it is doing on behalf of the American public — on behalf of the entire American public, including those most in need of assistance from the government. It is surprising, then, that many of the commission’s flagship policy efforts are, in fact, regressive, benefiting those who already have ample access to telecommunications and media resources at the expense of those lacking such access. Cases in point: set-top boxes, network neutrality, and broadband privacy.

[Hurwitz is an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska College of Law]