Former Federal Communications Commission chairman Michael Powell has been appointed president and CEO of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, the cable industry trade group.
Powell, who is currently a senior advisor with Providence Equity Partners and honorary co-chair of Broadband for America, will take over at NCTA starting April 25. He succeeds Kyle McSlarrow, who was recently named president of Comcast/NBC Universal in Washington.
"Michael's exemplary record of leadership, deep commitment to public service, and vast insight into public policy make him an ideal fit to lead our industry in Washington, D.C., as we address the regulatory challenges that lie ahead and continue to help policy makers understand cable's commitment to jobs, investment, and innovation," Patrick Esser, chair of the NCTA board and president of Cox Communications, said in a statement.
"Cable is a dynamic and highly innovative industry, providing cutting edge services and content that Americans love," Powell said. "The broadband platform the industry has deployed is a critical part of the infrastructure needed to realize our national ambition to be a great nation in the Information Age. I am excited to help lead companies committed not only to their businesses, but to improving U.S. competitiveness and supporting invaluable programs in important areas such as education."
Powell, son of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, joined the FCC as a commissioner under President Clinton in 1997 and was named chairman by President Bush in 2001. During his tenure, he made headlines for approving new media ownership rules that some said led to increased consolidation among media companies.
Though most Republicans are now opposed to the current commission's net neutrality rules, the Republican Powell was actually at the forefront of cracking down on companies that violated the spirit of the open Internet. In March 2005, the FCC reached a $15,000 settlement with Madison River after the provider was accused of blocking access to VoIP services.
Powell also presided over the Brand X decision, which said the Internet is an information service rather than a telecom service. It was struck down by the court, but reinstated by the Supreme Court under Chairman Kevin Martin. The current FCC considered reversing that decision during the recent net neutrality debate, but decided against it amidst industry backlash.
Current Republican FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell issued his congratulations to Powell.
"I congratulate my friend, Michael Powell, on taking over the helm of NCTA. I have known him since he first became a commissioner in 1997. Whether serving at the Commission both as a commissioner and as chairman; advising the investment community; leading the board of our shared alma mater, William and Mary; practicing law; or serving in uniform with distinction, Michael has always exhibited the best attributes of leadership," McDowell said in a statement. "His intellect and vision will serve NCTA and its members well as the cable industry faces increasing competitive and regulatory challenges. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity."
The American Cable Association also issued its support. "Everyone in the independent cable community wishes Michael the very best in his new position, and we look forward to working with him on the issues that are important to both large and small cable operators," president and CEO Matthew Polka said in a statement.
Consumer group Free Press also "congratulated" Powell.
"If you wonder why common sense, public interest policies never see the light of day in Washington, look no further than the furiously spinning revolving door between industry and the FCC," managing director Craig Aaron said in a statement. "Former Chairman Michael Powell is the natural choice to lead the nation's most powerful cable lobby, having looked out for the interests of companies like Comcast and Time Warner during his tenure at the Commission and having already served as a figurehead for the industry front group Broadband for America."
Public Knowledge, meanwhile, urged Powell to "help the association realize the transition to a broadband economy will take many forms, as consumers wish to exercise choices of online services and service providers."