Redlands Daily Facts has a story by David Kronke about NBCU boss Jeff Zucker’s reaction to FCC Chairman Michael Powell’s resignation, which has brought about “optimism” at the network. While Zucker appears positive on the change, not everyone is so half-full on the situation.
As for myself, I’m “cautiously pessimistic,” if one can be. I think a lot of people may be openly critical of some of the suggested replacments that were discussed by the Wall Street Journal’s Anne Marie Squeo. For instance, Rebecca Klein [more here] is a former Commissioner and Chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission - during the Enron fallout. That said, Klein has a good background in both telecommunications and utilities, and is well connected to the current administration. Also suggested is Michael Gallagher, currently working in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. I’m not as familiar with his background, but his efforts in spectrum allocation would be integral as FCC Chairman. Consultant Janice Obuchowski, who was described in 1996 as “walking away a big winner” by Wired when she was behind the founding of Nextwave was described in the WSJ as having a “a good relationship with both President Bush and his father.” As “easy” as it would be to place current FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin into the role, Squeo points out that he “has sometimes caught flak from the White House for battling Mr. Powell.” I might expect him to get the “people’s choice,” through looking through his background and previous opinions, but he has a conservative background, which could be an issue for some. With the expected departure of fellow FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy this year, it would be somewhat sensible to keep something intact with regard to people already briefed and involved with current matters - but that doesn’t mean it’ll happen.
So, cautious pessimism it is.
