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FCC Chairman: a Former Cable Lobbyist Who Helped Kill the Comcast Merger

Posted by Soulskill on from the judging-books-by-covers dept.

An anonymous reader writes: After Friday's news that the Comcast/TWC merger is dead, the Washington Post points out an interesting fact: FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, who was instrumental in throwing up roadblocks for the deal, used to be a lobbyist for the cable and wireless industry. "Those who predicted Wheeler would favor industry interests 'misunderstood him from the beginning — the notion that because he had represented various industries, he was suddenly in their pocket never made any sense,' said one industry lawyer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he represents clients before the FCC." The "revolving door" between government and industry is often blamed for many of the problems regulating corporations. We were worried about it ourselves when Wheeler was nominated for his current job. I guess this goes to show that it depends more on the person than on their previous job.

3 of 86 comments (clear)

  1. Re:The Revolving Door Argument is Thin Anyway.... by 605dave · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This was going to be my point as well, it's a double edged sword. Do you really want people in charge of industries that haven't had significant experience in that industry? Would the board pick someone who never worked as a tech executive to run Apple?

    That being said in most cases whatever industry's interests seem to always be favored over the public's, so you have to wonder about loyalties. And count me as one that completed doubted Wheeler. I am happy my cynicism was proved to be wrong (for once).

    --
    Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a difficult battle. - Plato
  2. lets see what he gives back by renegade600 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I don't think he really had much choice but to support killing the merger - too many of the right people was against it. However keep watch and see what he gives them in return over the next couple of years.

  3. Re:The Revolving Door Argument is Thin Anyway.... by klui · · Score: 5, Interesting

    https://corp.sonic.net/ceo/201...

    in 2004, the FCC took steps to limit competition, turning away from key provisions of the 1996 Telecom Act. They set aside unbundling requirements which serve as a key bridge for competitive carriers. By circumventing Congress this way, the Bush-appointed Chairman of the FCC was able to turn back a competitive tide, creating an intentional duopoly on Internet access in the US.

    The FCC Chairman was Michael Powell