FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn to Exit Agency

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 17, 2018

FCC Democratic Commissioner Mignon Clyburn has announced she would leave the agency on Tuesday, stepping down after eight years in the post. Clyburn was nominated by former President Obama and joined the five-member panel in 2009. She plans to exit before the Commission's next Open Meeting scheduled for May 10. Her time at the FCC included a stint as acting chairwoman in 2013 when she proposed eliminating the Commission's nearly 40-year old sports blackout rules. Clyburn was part of the Democratic majority that approved the net neutrality rules in 2015 and a critic of their repeal in December.

"I've done all I know to do. And it's time for me to serve in another way," Clyburn said during the FCC's meeting on Tuesday.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in statement, "I congratulate Commissioner Clyburn on her distinguished tenure at the FCC. She has been a tremendous leader and a committed public servant throughout her time here. As the first woman to head the agency, she led skillfully through a transition and put her on stamp on the Commission, including through her steadfast leadership in 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. She's been a wonderful colleague and friend. I wish her nothing but the best and sincerely thank her for her service."

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith said, "Mignon Clyburn has served the Commission with distinction, dedication and humility over the past eight years. She has been a passionate voice on behalf of consumers and a champion of diversity in the media marketplace during her tenure. NAB and America's broadcasters wish Commissioner Clyburn well on her future path."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer previously recommended Geoffrey Starks, an assistant chief in the FCC's enforcement bureau, to the White House to replace Clyburn's when she left, Politico reported last month. The publication said that presidents traditionally defer to the Senate minority leader when filling opposing-party seats on the commission.

Clyburn had served on the Commission since 2009. In her two terms at the FCC, Clyburn (D) was a strong advocate for enhanced accessibility in communications for disabled citizens. She has fought to promote strong competition across all communications platforms and media ownership that reflects the demographics of America.

Clyburn also has a long history of public service, having served for 11 years on the Public Service Commission (PSC) of South Carolina before joining the FCC. Prior to her service on the PSC, Clyburn was the publisher and general manager of The Coastal Times, a Charleston-based weekly newspaper that focused primarily on issues affecting the African American community. She co-owned and operated the family-founded newspaper for 14 years.

Clyburn is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking, Finance and Economics.