FCC’s Wheeler To Step Down Next Month

Today, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, after more three years at the helm of the agency, announced he intends to leave on Jan. 20, 2017.

He issued the following statement:

“Serving as FCC chairman during this period of historic technological change has been the greatest honor of my professional life.

“I am deeply grateful to the president for giving me this opportunity. I am especially thankful to the talented commission staff for their service and sacrifice during my tenure. Their achievements have contributed to a thriving communications sector, where robust investment and world-leading innovation continue to drive our economy and meaningful improvements in the lives of the American people.

“It has been a privilege to work with my fellow commissioners to help protect consumers, strengthen public safety and cybersecurity, and ensure fast, fair and open networks for all Americans.”

In a note to investors, Wells Fargo’s Marci Ryvicker commented: “This will leave the FCC with two Republicans (Ajit Pai, who is likely to be appointed interim chairman, and Michael O’Reilly) and one Democrat (Mignon Clyburn). Recall that a quorum can be reached with only three FCC commissioners — it does not matter what affiliation. 

“This is good news for all of our sectors, especially broadcast and cable — as we believe that a 2-1 commission would allow for expedited deregulation — clearly a much better option than having to wait until mid-2017. We expect broadcast and cable stocks to be up on today’s news as another potential overhang has been removed.”

After his announcement this morning, comments were quick to come in.

NAB President Gordon Smith: “Chairman Wheeler has been a tenacious fighter on telecommunications issues during a period of remarkable change in the media landscape. We wish him well in whatever the future may hold.” 

FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai: “Like his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, Chairman Wheeler brought passion and tenacity to the playing field each and every day. Despite our differences in many areas of communications policy, I commend him for his years of public service. It has been a privilege to serve alongside him, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Michael Powell, NCTA president: “We thank Chairman Wheeler for his service to the American people as leader of the Federal Communications Commission.  Chairman Wheeler has presided over the commission during a period of significant change and exciting innovation in the communications marketplace.  Chairman Wheeler’s mantra from the beginning of his tenure has been ‘competition, competition, competition’ and he should be proud that American consumers are enjoying the benefits of today’s vibrant and highly competitive video and broadband sectors.”

Free Press President CEO Craig Aaron: “When Tom Wheeler was named to head the FCC, we voiced serious reservations about how a former industry lobbyist could do the job. But he proved us wrong. We haven’t agreed with him on every decision, but time and again Wheeler showed a willingness to stand up to industry pressure, listen to voices outside the Beltway and — perhaps most importantly — to change his mind.

“We thank Tom Wheeler for his public service. And we promise to fight any attempts to attack the best policies advanced during his tenure. We call on the next administration and the new Congress to build on Wheeler’s legacy by appointing future chairs and commissioners who are willing to put people first — instead of rubber-stamping industry demands.”

FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly: “I truly thank Chairman Wheeler for his public service to our country. While we may not have always agreed on the substance or procedures of commission work, Tom is passionate about his views and committed to solving communications problems, including our work together on rate of return reform. More importantly, I enjoyed the chance to get to know him on a personal level and chat on non-work matters, especially about our families. I wish Tom great success in any future endeavors he pursues.”

American Cable Association President Matthew M. Polka: “ACA wishes FCC Chairman Wheeler nothing but success as he enters a new phase in his celebrated career in the world of communications, both in government and the private sector. Although we did not see eye to eye on some very big issues, ACA appreciates that chairman Wheeler was an able steward of the nation’s communications laws and was someone who always gave independent cable the opportunity to be heard and receive full and fair consideration.”