A new day dawnin' for US media.
Barack Obama says he'll nominate Julius Genachowski, 46, FCC Chairman.
And we've finally read those sweetest of words for which we've waited so long: Kevin Martin will resign. Effective Inauguration Day.
A former Harvard Law School classmate of Obama's and chief legal counsel at the FCC during the Clinton administration, Genachowski is a successful tech-businessman, Obama's chief campaign tech adviser, and a fund-bundler who raised more than $500k for the race.
Progressives, and advocates of an open internet, should be happy at his appointment.
Within the Obama policy group, Genachowski has promoted a detailed technology and innovation plan that supports net neutrality protections, expansion of affordable broadband and media-ownership rules that encourage more diversity.
Even the clunky ol' Seattle Times agrees.
Martin, a lightning rod and amoral pain in the ass, could have stayed on at the agency as a commissioner, but he instead chose to accept a senior fellowship in Washingtonat the Aspen Institute. Martin was appointed to a Republican seat on the FCC by President Bush in 2001 and designated chairman by Bush in 2005.
Martin resigning? No. :)
Knew there was a better paycheck awaiting him at some conservative non-think tank but I didn't think the Aspen was one of those.
I've always respected Walter Isaacson who heads that non-profit. What do they want with an idealogue and dictator like Martin? His values were all pro-corporate.
It's a mystery. Is there something I don't know about the Aspen Institute? or Isaacson?
Well, looking at the bright side, at least he's gone. And the new guy looks like a typical Obama pick: smart, savvy, ready to change the status quo and bring back diversity in media and maintain net neutrality. I'm loving it.
And yes, Baaaa-rt, I do care.
Posted by: joanie | January 15, 2009 at 11:34 PM
'Obama's chief campaign tech adviser, and a fund-bundler who raised more than $500k for the race.'
Hope you really meant $500-Mil, otherwise this is peanuts relative to how much was raised.
Posted by: Duffman | January 16, 2009 at 05:55 AM