President Bush officially named Kevin Martin, a sitting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner, to the top spot, replacing the departing Michael Powell. This method of naming a current commissioner to lead the regulatory agency precludes the drawn-out Senate nomination hearings, but it does leave the panel one member short, which could be sticky if a tiebreaker is needed. In addition, Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy will be stepping down soon, meaning there will be two new partisan positions to fill.

Upon receiving the President’s nod, Martin said, “I am deeply honored to have been designated as the next Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, and I thank President Bush for this distinct privilege. I look forward to working with the Administration, Congress, my colleagues and the FCC’s talented staff to ensure that American consumers continue to enjoy the benefits of the best communications system in the world. I thank Chairman Powell for his excellent stewardship of this agency and I look forward to continuing his efforts in bringing the communications industry into the 21st century.”

Powell was just as complimentary. “I would like to congratulate Commissioner Martin on being named FCC Chairman by President Bush,” he said. “He will soon take a front seat at the technology revolution. His wide knowledge of telecommunication policy issues and insight into the rapidly changing nature of communications technology will serve the agency well. Ultimately, everything the FCC does must serve the public interest and benefit consumers, and I am confident he will be vigilant in pursuing these goals. I pledge my complete cooperation to ensure a smooth transition and wish him all the best for every success.”

Martin’s fellow commissioners weighed in as well, with Abernathy saying, “Commissioner Martin, who has served with distinction during the past four years, has been a strong voice for broadband deployment and for rationalizing the rules that apply to broadband services. He has also focused on ensuring that new technologies and services are delivered to rural America.” Commissioner Michael Copps added, “I have enjoyed working with Commissioner Martin throughout the past three and a half years and look forward to working together with him on the important unfinished agenda of the FCC.”

Satellite Industry Reacts

One satellite industry insider, who spoke to Satellite News on background, talked about the FCC’s recent role in improving the regulatory environment for the satellite industry and noted Martin’s role with the commission so far.

“The whole commission really did move forward in terms of streamlining and providing more flexibility to all service providers,” the insider said. “As part of that, you got things like satellite licensing reform. That was a very good policy call because satellites are getting licensed faster. Martin was certainly supportive of that.” The insider also noted that since Martin has been on the commission, there has been earth station reform, as well as harder line taken by the commission on milestone enforcement.

The insider added that satellites have been looked upon more equally alongside terrestrial wired and wireless communications since Martin joined the commission. “I think you are starting to see satellites being treated like grown-ups. They used to receive very special treatment, and now they are getting more routine treatment and increased flexibility. The FCC is treating them now likes any communications service.” It is sign that the commission has recognized the maturity of the satellite industry and its ability to provide services on a more equal footing with terrestrial wired and wireless service, “and hopefully Kevin will continue that trend. [Chairman Powell] set a very good framework for that and Kevin certainly has been supporting it as well,” the insider added.

Others in the satellite industry also offered their support of Bush’s decision to name Martin FCC Chairman.

“Commissioner Martin has consistently supported increased flexibility for satellite systems, which will enable the delivery of innovative services to U.S. consumer,” said Xie Rivers, president of TerreStar.

Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association President Richard DalBello said, “SBCA congratulates Commissioner Martin on this appointment and we look forward to our continued relationship with him in this new capacity. Commissioner Martin has long been a proponent of consumer access to innovative services and has consistently encouraged the implementation of satellite services, including television, radio and broadband, to rapidly integrate advances in technology.”

Satellite Industry Association Executive Director David Cavossa said, “We welcome Chairman Martin to his new position and look forward to continuing to work with him on the important current and future satellite issues before the Commission, including expanding broadband Internet service to rural America.”

–Gregory Twachtman and Debra Wayne