President Obama Names Michael J. Copps as Acting Chairman of the FCC

President Obama named Michael J. Copps, a sitting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner, to be Acting Chairman on January 23. Commissioner Copps’ statement to agency staff indicates a significant change in direction is coming at the FCC.

Fellow Commissioner Robert M. McDowell promptly wrote a letter to the new Acting Chairman indicating his support for the Acting Chairman, calling for a broad ethics audit and for a new strategic plan for the agency.

There are two vacancies on the five-member commission. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Julius Genachowski is rumored to be named soon by President Obama as the new Chairman.