Mignon Clyburn Praises Public/Private Partnership

Former Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon Clyburn made a case for the "public/private" partnership of regulator/industry as the blueprint for advancing a more diverse and inclusive media landscape. She said both regulators and industry are needed to connect communities and giving individuals the tools they need to exercise their rights to free expression. She called the teaming of regulators, who must be mindful of the public interest, and the power of industry an "incredible public/private partnership" that has provided, among other things, the Universal Service Fund broadband subsidies that help lower-income Americans and hard-to-reach areas get broadband service. She said that partnership "makes us the envy of the world," but also is a spur to do better. She said it is not always clear what that "better" will be, but the "collaborative, open, free-market framework" allows both to work for a "better and more inclusive tomorrow." Clyburn said that "tomorrow" includes a competitive communications landscape that allows all to participate and thrive.