Kevin Martin Appointed FCC Chairman, Ken Ferree Named to Leading Post at CPB

Yesterday, President Bush announced the appointment of Kevin Martin to head the Federal Communications Commission. He will replace Michael Powell as the chairman of the organization.

Powell is leaving after seven and a half years on the commission including four years as chairman. Kevin Martin was appointed to the FCC in 2001. Martin is considered an advocate of reducing government's regulation of telecommunication companies and increasing the monitoring and enforcement of so-called indecent content on the airwaves. He pleased Christian conservative groups when he dissented from an FCC decision not to fine the NBC television network for singer Bono's use of an expletive during the 2003 Golden Globe Award ceremony. He has also been in favor of stiffer penalties against media companies that broadcast indecent material.

These organizations - like the Family Research Council - have been advocating for the appointment of Martin to replace Powell. Pat Trueman of the Family Research Council has said of Martin "He is someone who understands what indecency is doing to the culture. And he's certainly someone who we'd be happy to see as a chairman." Kevin Martin also has close ties to the White House. Previous to his FCC job, he served on the Bush-Cheney transition team and was general council for Bush's 2000 Presidential campaign. His wife, Cathie Martin is a former aide to Vice President Dick Cheney - and works in the White House as a special assistant to the President for economic policy.

Separately, Ken Ferree was named as Chief Operating Officer for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. CPB develops programming for National Public Radio, Public Radio International and PBS. Ferree was appointed to the FCC by Michael Powell in 2001 and has led the FCC's media bureau for the past four years.

LISTEN ONLINE (And Read Transcript)
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=05/03/17/1442219