FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn announced Tuesday that she would soon step down after more than eight years at the commission.
“I’ve done all I know to do, and it’s time for me to serve in another way” Clyburn said as she announced this week’s FCC meeting would be her last.
Clyburn, one of two Democratic FCC commissioners, began her tenure in 2009 and is wrapping up her second term. Her time as commissioner included a stint as acting chairwoman in 2013, when she became the first woman to lead the agency.
“It has been an honor to work alongside her to put consumers first and bring connectivity to those at greatest risk of being left behind — urban, rural, and everywhere in between,” Jessica Rosenworcel, her fellow Democratic commissioner, said in a statement.
American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew Polka said Clyburn “had no equal” with regard to understanding the impact of independent cable operators.
“Commissioner Clyburn defended the interests of these providers on many occasions, especially in connection with the harms posed by the Comcast-NBC Universal transaction that the agency approved with key conditions in 2011,” Polka said in a statement.
Reports indicated that the announcement wasn’t unexpected, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer previously recommended FCC enforcement bureau official Geoffrey Starks to take her place at the commission, according to Politico.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai praised Clyburn’s transition leadership and her work to advance “telehealth, media diversity and digital inclusion.”
“I have enjoyed working with her and, even when we have not seen eye-to-eye on policy, I have always held her candor and thoughtfulness in the highest regard,” Pai said.
Filed Under: Industry regulations
