Kevin Martin named FCC Chairman
President Bush has named current FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin to chairman, replacing Michael Powell, who resigned effective March 31. Because the Senate previously confirmed Martin when he became a commissioner, Senate confirmation is not required for him to elevate to the chairmanship.
Martin said in a statement that he is “deeply honored” by the appointment and thanked Powell—who has taken a position as senior fellow for the next three months at the Aspen Institute’s Communications and Society Program—for his “excellent stewardship” of the agency.
Powell—who clashed with Martin repeatedly during their time together on the commission, most notably over policy issues concerning wireline telephone rules—praised Martin’s “insight into the rapidly changing nature of communications technology,” in a statement.
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials issued a statement that praised Martin’s appointment. “We are pleased with Martin’s appointment as he has consistently backed FCC actions promoting public safety communications,” APCO President Greg Ballentine said.
