Press Release
'Maximum Civic Engagement' Key to FCC Broadband Plan
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- At the first meeting of the Federal Communications Commission under Julius Genachowski, the new chairman pledged a "process for public participation that will be unparalleled for this agency" in crafting a national broadband strategy.
"While broadband is not the sole solution for any of the problems facing our country," Genachowski said, "it is a part of the solution for all the challenges we face domestically."
At the meeting, FCC staff described plans for a series of staff workshops with various interest groups to take place this August in Washington, as well as public forums outside of the capital. Along with the workshops, the FCC launched the "broadband.gov" Web site to collect public feedback on the national broadband plan.
Commissioner Michael Copps emphasized that the development of the congressionally mandated national broadband plan should focus on "maximum civic engagement."
Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press, issued the following statement:
"Under Chairman Genachowski, the FCC is making a clear shift from seeing broadband simply as a commercial service to seeing it as national infrastructure and a public good. We look forward to working with the FCC on the broadband strategy that will involve meaningful participation inside and outside of the Beltway."
###
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
"While broadband is not the sole solution for any of the problems facing our country," Genachowski said, "it is a part of the solution for all the challenges we face domestically."
At the meeting, FCC staff described plans for a series of staff workshops with various interest groups to take place this August in Washington, as well as public forums outside of the capital. Along with the workshops, the FCC launched the "broadband.gov" Web site to collect public feedback on the national broadband plan.
Commissioner Michael Copps emphasized that the development of the congressionally mandated national broadband plan should focus on "maximum civic engagement."
Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press, issued the following statement:
"Under Chairman Genachowski, the FCC is making a clear shift from seeing broadband simply as a commercial service to seeing it as national infrastructure and a public good. We look forward to working with the FCC on the broadband strategy that will involve meaningful participation inside and outside of the Beltway."
###
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
