Trump Nominates Nathan Simington to Replace FCC's O'Rielly

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Nathan Simington

President Donald Trump has nominated longtime telecom lawyer Nathan Simington to replace FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly after declining to renew the sitting Republican commissioner for a new term as reported by Law360. Simington, a senior adviser at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), played a significant role in drafting a petition required under the Trump administration's social media executive order issued over the summer reports The Verge.

O'Rielly was previously nominated for a third-term by Trump, but his nomination was abruptly withdrawn after he made a speech expressing concerns over the administration's social media order that would empower the FCC to take a unique role in regulating content moderation on social media platforms The Verge wrote.

"As a conservative, I'm troubled voices are stifled by liberal tech leaders," O'Rielly tweeted in May. "At same time, I'm extremely dedicated to First Amendment which governs much here."

In response to the nomination, O'Rielly sent Simington best wishes on Twitter. "I extend my sincere congrats to Mr. Simington for selection to join [the FCC]," O'Rielly wrote, "and offer best wishes for a smooth confirmation process and successful term at the Commission."

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith said in a statement, "NAB congratulates Nathan Simington on his nomination to the FCC. We wish him the best during the confirmation process and look forward to working with him on the critical issues affecting local radio and TV broadcasters should he be confirmed to the Commission."