Senate Approves FCC Nominees Clyburn, Baker

RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT

The full Senate has approved the nominations of Mignon Clyburn (pictured far left), a Democrat, and Meredith Attwell Baker, a Republican, to fill the remaining two seats at the FCC. The vote came Friday afternoon by unanimous consent, according to a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Clyburn and Baker will complete the five-member panel under new FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. Commissioner Michael Copps, a Democrat and Commissioner Robert McDowell, a Republican, both remain in place.

NAB Executive VP/Media Relations Dennis Wharton said in a statement, "NAB salutes the Senate for confirming Meredith Attwell Baker and Mignon Clyburn as new Commissioners at the FCC. Their commitment to public service, and their understanding of media-related issues will serve the Commission and consumers well."

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mignon L. Clyburn on her Senate confirmation. Mignon's deep commitment to public service, experience in state government, and entrepreneurial expertise will be invaluable assets to this agency. I enthusiastically await Mignon's arrival at the FCC and the opportunity to collaborate with her on advancing our shared goal of improving the lives of all Americans through communications."

He also congratulated Baker on her Senate confirmation, saying, "Meredith is a distinguished public servant who will bring unique insight and expertise to bear in the agency's policymaking process. I enthusiastically await Meredith's arrival at the FCC and the opportunity to collaborate with her on advancing our shared goal of improving the lives of all Americans through communications."

Clyburn is the daughter of House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC). She previously published a weekly newspaper in Charleston, SC, before serving on the South Carolina Public Service Commission for six years. She has also chaired the Washington Action Committee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

Baker was most recently acting assistant secretary of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, where she oversaw the fed's DTV converter coupon program. Previously, she served as VP at Williams Mullen Strategies, and before that, senior counsel for Covad Communications. Baker worked at the U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit in Houston and later at DeLange and Hudspeth.