Humorous FCC Classified Ad Seeks New Chairman
Free Press, a watchdog group that promotes decentralization in broadcasting, has posted ads in the classified sections of the Washington Post, Washington Times, Politico and The Hill seeking a new leader for the FCC. The tongue-in-cheek "help wanted" ad calls for a chairman who can "take media and technology policy into the 21st century" and states that the applicant "must be willing to hold long and unruly public hearings and enjoy arcane telecom banter… Public interest background strongly preferred. Industry lobbyists need not apply."
The ad goes on to say that "wardrobe malfunctions, NASCAR wreckage and fleeting expletives are discouraged" -- a jab at current FCC Chairman Kevin Martin's crusade against pop star Janet Jackson for flashing a breast during a Super Bowl halftime show; the agency's $355,000 sponsorship of an accident-prone racecar to publicize the digital television transition; and the FCC's war against profanity, indecency and obscenity during live TV and radio broadcasts. Martin poked fun at himself and each topic during the annual Federal Communications Bar Association dinner last month [read CongressDaily's coverage here].
Free Press executive director Josh Silver said by placing the ad his group is doing its part "to make sure that the next head of the FCC is looking out for the public interest." "The person who takes this job will play a major role in transforming the media and shaping the future of the Internet. We need someone whose priorities match the public's demands," he said. The watchdog is asking citizens to rank their top priorities for the next chief of the FCC at www.FreePress.net/wanted.
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