Pai Names Diversity, Digital Committee

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai today announced the appointment of 31 members to the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE), which will meet for the first time on Monday, Sept. 25.

“I am pleased to see the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment get up and running,” Pai said. “All Americans should have the opportunity to participate in the communications marketplace, no matter their race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.  I hope this committee will help our agency take important steps towards increasing diversity throughout the communications industry and bringing digital opportunity to all Americans.”

Pai has designated Julia Johnson, president of NetCommunications, to be ACDDE chair, and Diane Sutter, president-CEO of ShootingStar Broadcasting, as vice chair.  A full list of ACDDE members is available in the posted Public Notice at https://go.usa.gov/xRFRe

“The commission was fortunate to have such a diverse and well-qualified group of individuals apply to serve on the committee,” Pai said. “I would like to thank Julia and Diane for agreeing to lead the ACDDE, all of the selected members for the work they will be doing over the course of the next two years, and all applicants for demonstrating their commitment to promoting diversity and digital empowerment.” 

The chairman also announced that three working groups would assist the ACDDE in carrying out its mission. These working groups will be entitled Broadcast Diversity and Development, Digital Empowerment and Inclusion, and Diversity in the Tech Sector. The composition of these three working groups will be announced in the future.

The Sept. 25 meeting will be held in the commission meeting room at FCC Headquarters, 445 12th St. SW, Washington, D.C. at 10 a.m.