Jim Kohlenberger, White House Senior Domestic Policy Advisor to President Clinton (1993-2000) who worked to help pass the Telecommunications Act of 1996, becomes a Benton Senior Policy Fellow, serving until 2008. Jim strengthens Benton’s collaborations in the field and guides the media policy work, including advocacy for universal, affordable broadband, tangible public interest obligations for digital television broadcasters, diversified media ownership, and open communications networks. Kohlenberger later becomes Chief of Staff, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for President Obama (2009-2011).
Karen Menichelli becomes Executive Director of Benton Foundation (serves until 2006).
National Highlights:
- President Bush reelected.
- Facebook launched.