Clyburn FCC Nomination Official

S.C. Regulator Tapped for Post, Says Acting Chair Copps

by John Eggerton -- Multichannel News, 6/25/2009 6:01:10 PM

Washington -- Mignon Clyburn has officially joined Meredith Attwell Baker among the president's nominees for the Federal Communications Commission, according to the acting chairman.
Clyburn, whose nomination was sent to the Senate Thursday, is a South Carolina public service commissioner and daughter of House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.).
 She is the chair of the Washington Action Committee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).
 "I am so pleased that with today's nominations we can begin to look forward to a fully-constituted FCC," said Copps in a statement. "With all the communications challenges confronting the commission, I am looking forward to having the benefit of all the talents that five members can bring to our work. These nominees will get us there."

In his statement, Copps offered high praise to both nominees.
 "I had the opportunity to work with Meredith Baker while she led [the National Telecommunications and Infrastructure Administration] and I quickly came to appreciate her intelligence, dedication and collegiality.  If confirmed, she will bring a wealth of experience and credibility with her.  She is an excellent choice for the job."
"Now that Mignon Clyburn's nomination is official, I will say again what a superb selection she is. Her years on the South Carolina Public Service Commission, coupled with experience in the world of media, will be tremendously helpful to her -- and to her colleagues -- at the FCC. She will be a great asset to the FCC and a pleasure to work with."
At press time Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) was trying to secure Senate approval of Julius Genachowski and Robert McDowell for FCC chairman and commissioner, respectively. If he succeeds, Genachowski could be in place by next week.