Republican FCC Majority Restored

After the departures of Democratic FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks and Republican FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington a month ago, which left the FCC without a Republican majority or quorum to hold meetings, the Senate quickly moved Republican Olivia Trusty’s nomination to a vote.  Her nomination was approved and she has now been sworn in as an FCC Commissioner.  She has quickly announced initial staff appointments and already issued a statement regarding a recent US Supreme Court decision.

With a restored 2-1 Republican majority, FCC Chairman Carr’s deregulatory agenda is expected to move forward quickly.  In the broadcast arena, the TV national ownership cap is being teed up for a likely decision, with a recent call to refresh the record in that proceeding.  Other broadcast ownership deregulation efforts, including for radio, are likely set for review soon, along with numerous other recommended actions in the Delete, Delete, Delete proceeding where the comment period ended in April, but new filings continue to be made.