Martin Succeeds Powell as FCC Chairman 

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 17, 2005/Satnews Daily/ — President George W. Bush designated on Wednesday Kevin Martin as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, succeeding the panel's outgoing chairman, Michael Powell.

Martin, 38, has been a commissioner since 2001. As head of the FCC, he is expected to shape the broadcast industry by completing the digital transition and switch-off of analog television service. He also takes over at a time the Internet is reshaping telecommunications with Internet-based phone service, as among the emerging issues.

During his tenure, Martin has also recognized that the satellite industry is a critical piece of our national telecommunications infrastructure and essential to meeting the President’s objectives of ensuring broadband access for all Americans by 2007.

Martin previously served as special assistant to the president for Economic Policy at the White House as well as legal adviser to Harold Furchtgott-Roth during his service as a member of the commission. He also worked as deputy general counsel on Bush's first campaign.

Martin is a former University of North Carolina student-body president and Harvard Law School graduate.

“I am deeply honored to have been designated as the next Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, and I thank President Bush for this distinct privilege,” Martin said in a statement.

“I look forward to working with the Administration, Congress, my colleagues, and the FCC’s talented staff to ensure that American consumers continue to enjoy the benefits of the best communications system in the world,” he added. 

Resigned FCC chairman Powell said Martin will soon take a front seat at the technology revolution.

“His wide knowledge of telecommunication policy issues and insight into the rapidly changing nature of communications technology will serve the agency well,” Powell said as he pledged complete cooperation to ensure a smooth transition.

David Cavossa, executive director of the Satellite Industry Association, welcomed Chairman Martin to his new position. “We look forward to continuing to work with him on the important current and future satellite issues before the Commission, including expanding broadband Internet service to rural America,” SIA said in a statement.

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