1h | Natalie Bannerman
Geoffrey Starks, a commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has been assisted by a racial justice group as chairman of the FCC.
The news comes as current chairman Ajit Pai announced plans to step down in November. His last day is January 20, when President Trump will officially step down from office.
In a statement made at the time, Pai said: “It has been an honor to serve on the Federal Communications Commission for the past four years, including serving as chairman of the FCC. I am grateful to President Trump for giving me the opportunity to run the agency in 2017, to President Obama, who appointed me Commissioner in 2012, and to Senate Majority Leader McConnell and the Senate for confirming me twice. It was a special privilege to be the first Asian-American chairman of the FCC. “
“Together over the past four years we’ve delivered for the American people: bridging the digital divide; Foster innovation and competition, from 5G on-site to broadband from space; Consumer protection; and promoting public safety. “
Color of Change, a civil rights group in the United States, said it supports Starks for the role he has advocated black communities in the past.
After joining in 2019, Starks Junior is Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, who is touted as the front runner to succeed Pai as FCC chairman.
Should she be named chairman by President-elect Biden, she would become the first woman to be named FCC chairperson, alongside Mignon Clyburn, who served as acting chairman in 2013.
According to Bloomberg, Rashad Robinson, president of Color Of Change, stated via email that Starks had recently demonstrated and recently reiterated its commitment to digital equity. The Biden-Harris administration must ensure that regulators like the FCC are steered by individuals who reflect the communities most affected by the policy choices they dictate. “
Front runner Rosenworcel also supports the Communications Workers Union of America, which confirms its support in December 2020, as well as the National Education Association with the written support of its President Becky Pringle.
In a statement sent via email, Pringle said: Rosenworcel’s “longstanding work to bridge the digital divide and connect students for education makes her the right choice to lead the FCC now. She is committed to providing internet access for all students, no matter who they are or where they live. “
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