Applauding the appointment of another hands-off-minded government official to a key regulatory post, the cable industry came out in rhetorical force to commend the nomination of Republican lawyer Brendan Carr as an FCC commissioner.
"Brendan’s vast knowledge of the communications industry, combined with his strong legal credentials, will allow him to hit the ground running as the Commission pursues policies to stimulate investment and job creation in the communications marketplace to benefit consumers and drive economic growth," said Comcast Senior Executive VP and Chief Diversity Officer David L. Cohen, in a statement.
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“Given his previous experience as the FCC's General Counsel and in the telecommunications sector, Carr brings years of valuable know-how to this leadership role,” added Charter Communications, in a statement. “We look forward to working with him and his colleagues on the Commission to continue to advance policies that encourage businesses to innovate, invest in broadband infrastructure, create more jobs, and grow the economy in communities across the U.S.”
Carr’s nomination would round out the five-member FCC and give Republicans a majority. Two weeks ago, President Donald Trump also drew praise from the cable industry for nominating a Democratic holdover from the previous FCC administration, Jessica Rosenworcel, to the commission. For her part, Rosenworcel was instrumental in undermining a set-top replacement proposal that was vastly unpopular within the cable industry.
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Of course, industry trade organizations also got in on the Carr backslapping.
“With his impressive public and private sector experience, Brendan is steeped in the important issues that the FCC will tackle in the coming years,” said NCTA - The Internet Television Association. “We urge Congress to act quickly on his nomination and look forward to working with Brendan and the entire Commission on policies that will promote marketplace investment and innovation for the benefit of American consumers.”
“Brendan Carr is a highly regarded attorney with a wide-ranging understanding of modern communications law and regulation,” added the American Cable Association. “His addition will enhance the FCC's ability to arrive at sound policy conclusions that will serve the public interest, particularly with regard to ensuring that all Americans, wherever they may live, have a robust connection to the internet.”