4-30-13
He is a venture capital investor with Core Capital partners and a Washington insider with close ties to the media and telecommunications industry. He's expected to be the person President Obama wants to lead the FCC as early as Wednesday. Wheeler is a former president of the National Cable Television Association and the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association. The NAB came out in favor of Wheeler late last night. "The NAB welcomes the nomination of Tom Wheeler as chairman of the FCC. He has the experience and temperament to serve the agency with distinction, and we look forward to working with him."
Parents Television Council President Tim Winter is not yet on board. "As a former top lobbyist for the cable and wireless industries, it's hard to know whether Mr. Wheeler will be truly focused on serving the interests of the American people, or whether he'd prefer serving corporate interests. We remind him that the legislation that created the FCC references the term 'public interest' no less than 112 times. We call on Mr. Wheeler to commit the FCC under his leadership to serving the public interest, including the clear, consistent, and vigorous enforcement of federal broadcast decency law, for the sake of America?s children and families. And if he doesn't firmly commit to doing so, we will oppose his confirmation."
Free Press President and Chief Executive Craig Aaron told the L.A. Times the President picked the wrong person. "The Federal Communications Commission needs a strong leader ? someone who will use this powerful position to stand up to industry giants and protect the public interest. On paper, Tom Wheeler does not appear to be that person, having headed not one but two major trade associations."
Chairman Julius Genachowski is expected to officially leave after the agency?s next public meeting on May 9. FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn is expected to serve as acting chairman until a new chair is confirmed by Congress.
