Progressives applaud Biden’s choice of Rosenworcel to lead FCC out of carnage left by Ajit Pai

Digital rights and other progressive groups on Thursday hailed President Joe Biden’s choice of Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to lead the Federal Communications Commission into a new era of consumer advocacy after four years of pro-business leadership by former president Ajit Pai.

“As we face the pandemic, the economic crisis, and the urgent need for racial justice, we need equitable access to reliable communication tools and accurate news and information. “
—Jessica J. González,
Free press

Biden’s appointment of Rosenworcel as interim chairman of the FCC follows eight years of service on the commission from the Obama administration. During her tenure, she has proven to be a trusted advocate for increasing internet access for underserved populations, net neutrality, and treating the internet as a public service and a staunch opponent of business consolidation.

Rosenworcel’s positions often contrasted sharply with those of Pai, who was appointed FCC chairman by former President Donald Trump in January 2017 and who led the repeal of net neutrality, the endorsement of the megamerger T- Mobile-Sprint – for which he was accused of betraying the public interest in the service of big business – and other controversial policies.

Evan Greer, deputy director of digital rights group Fight for the Future, bid farewell to Pai in November, predicting that he “will go down in history as one of the most corrupt government officials of the century.”

“His ruthless attack on Net neutrality and the blatant pampering of Big Telecom’s monopolies sparked the biggest cross-party backlash online in the modern era,” said Greer. “As he fades into the background, his smug demeanor and giant Reese’s cup will become warning memes – reminding internet users of what happens when we don’t hold our government accountable.”

Fight for the Future, on the other hand, hailed the news of Rosenworcel’s appointment, while urging Biden to “appoint another net neutrality champion … so the FCC can get back to work by securing a affordable open Internet access in the midst of a pandemic. “

Michael Copps, former FCC commissioner and current special adviser to the non-partisan government reform group Common Cause, called Rosenworcel “ideal for the job.”

“I know, because we worked together when she was leading my staff when I was commissioner there,” Copps said in a statement.

He added:

She knows the FCC from the bottom up and she understands how to make good things happen there. She … has shown a mastery of issues rarely equaled. Whether it’s bringing broadband to every home in America, encouraging the availability of the internet for our schools, making smart decisions about spectrum use, challenging telecommunications monopolies and media, [or] battling misinformation and misinformation, she has a combination of vision and practicality that makes her perfect for the presidency. She is a true defender of the public interest.

Jessica J. González, co-CEO of the media democracy group Free Press, also welcomed Rosenworcel’s appointment in a statement. He said, in part:

As we face the pandemic, the economic crisis and the urgent need for racial justice, we need equitable access to reliable communication tools and accurate news and information. We look forward to working with Acting President Rosenworcel to restore the commission’s Title II authority under the Communications Act and open up opportunities to finally end the digital divide, ensure reliable internet access and re-establish non-discrimination policies such as net neutrality.

We also hope to work closely together on efforts to broaden ownership and diversity of viewpoints in the broadcasting industry, and ensure that broadcasters serve the public interest.

In a statement, Rosenworcel said she was “honored” to be chosen as head of the FCC and will work to “expand the reach of communication possibilities in the digital age.”

While Democrats – who now control the White House and both branches of Congress – intend to restore net neutrality, expand broadband subsidies, and pursue other popular policies, Rosenworcel will likely have to do face serious challenges until Biden appoints a third Democrat to the committee and they are confirmed by the Senate. We don’t know when this will happen; It is also unclear whether Rosenworcel will remain chairman of the FCC on a permanent basis.