Julius Genachowski Nomination To Chair FCC

FCC acting chairman Michael Copps released a statement on Julius Genachowski saying Obama made an "excellent" choice on nominating Genachowski as the next chair to head FCC.

"President Obama has made an excellent choice in announcing his intent to nominate Julius Genachowski to be the next Chairman of the FCC. Julius has the knowledge, experience and dedication to lead this Agency forward as we tackle the many challenges confronting the country – and the Commission. I look forward to the prospect of working with him on a communications agenda focused on serving consumers and the public interest. He will find here a talented and energized team of public servants committed to precisely this goal. I wish him a successful Senate confirmation."

The following statement can be attributed to Commissioner Robert M. McDowell:

“I congratulate Julius Genachowski on his nomination to be chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. He will bring a valuable perspective to the Commission with his experience not only in government but also in the private sector. I look forward to working closely with Mr. Genachowski on the many important communications challenges that lie ahead for the American people.”

In response to the announcement of the nomination of Julius Genachowski to be the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Commissioner Adelstein made the following statement:

“I warmly congratulate my friend Julius Genachowski on his nomination by President Barack Obama to be Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. He is the right person at the right time for the job. His leadership, experience and intelligence will serve him and the American people well, as he takes the helm of the FCC during this pivotal time for our country and the agency. By designating a Chairman with such a strong strategic vision, striking talents, wealth of experience inside and outside of the Commission, and practical understanding of technology, President Obama once again demonstrates his commitment to the transformational power of communications technology and innovation.”

The following statement is from Walter B. McCormick Jr., President and CEO of USTelecom:

“We are pleased that we have in our President and in his choice for FCC Chairman two individuals who share our commitment to bringing broadband’s full promise to more Americans. During the past two years, the nation’s nearly 1,400 broadband providers invested approximately $120 billion in private capital to extend the capacity and reach of modern communications infrastructure throughout our country. It is critical that government and the private sector work constructively together to continue this vital progress that will help fuel our nation’s economic recovery and ongoing innovation from health care to education to citizen engagement in our democracy. We look forward to working with President Obama, the FCC and Congress to promote pro-investment policies that can help move our nation forward at this critical time for our country and all Americans.”

Harvard Law School on Julius Genachowski writes the following in a statement.

"Genachowski, a former HLS classmate of President-elect Barack Obama’s, worked at the FCC during the Clinton administration. Recently, he co-founded LaunchBox Digital, a Washington, D.C. venture capital firm. He also worked at IAC/InterActive Corp. in various executive positions after leaving the FCC.

"During the campaign, Genachowski served as the top technology advisor to Obama, putting together a detailed technology and innovation plan that supported open Internet or “net neutrality” protections; media ownership rules that encourage diversity; and expansion of affordable broadband across the country. He was also a key adviser to the transition team."