Free Press Action Looks Forward to Working with Newly Confirmed FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to Foster a Just and Democratic Media System

WASHINGTON — Free Press Action Co-CEO Craig Aaron issued the following statement following today’s Senate vote to confirm Jessica Rosenworcel as chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission:

“We’re grateful to the Senate for its bipartisan support of Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. We’re immensely pleased that the agency is being led by such a great champion of an open internet and of bringing affordable broadband to everyone in the United States.

“Chairwoman Rosenworcel rightly believes that advocating for the public interest means supporting an open, equitable and inclusive media system. She’s a longtime advocate of causes that prioritize people over powerful industry interests, and has the political savvy and the incredible depth of legal and technical knowledge to tackle the many challenges facing the FCC.

“These include implementing the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes $14 billion for broadband affordability and access, and restoring the FCC’s Title II authority so it has the toolbox it needs to protect Net Neutrality and oversee internet service providers at this crucial moment.

“Earlier this fall, Rosenworcel showed a willingness to conduct a comprehensive review of the agency’s history of policymaking, which has left Black and Brown communities with very little control of the media. It’s long past time for a reckoning on systemic racism in U.S. media and we’re committed to working with the agency to help understand, repair and redress past wrongs.

“The Senate is also considering the nomination of Gigi Sohn to be the FCC’s fifth commissioner. Sohn is a devoted advocate for policies and programs that will truly improve people’s lives. She has long been a clarion voice outside of the building for what needs to change. As FCC commissioner, she will build bipartisan support for resolving many pressing issues before the agency.

“Free Press Action urges the Senate to vote to approve Sohn as quickly as possible. There’s much important work ahead, and Rosenworcel and Sohn are the right leaders to get it done.”