Obama picks venture capitalist Tom Wheeler to head FCC

Today the president nominated venture capitalist, entrepreneur and Obama campaign supporter Tom Wheeler to be the next head of the FCC. At a White House announcement, Obama thanked outgoing FCC Chair Julius Genachowski and then praised the nominee. Wheeler, said Obama, has “...helped give America’s consumer more choices and better products.” And, the president noted, Wheeler is a member of both the cable television and the wireless halls of fame.

“Tom Wheeler is an experienced leader in the communications technology field,” said one off-the-record White House official, “who shares the president's commitment to protecting consumers, promoting innovation, enhancing competition and encouraging investment.”

In response, CWA said today, "CWA looks forward to meeting with Mr. Wheeler and discussing critical policy issues in the telecommunications industry, including affordable high-speed Internet access and how FCC policy should help create stable employment in the industry."

Wheeler has elicited some criticism among consumer groups for his deep industry ties. He had served as president of the National Cable Television Association, and as CEO of CTIA – the international association of the wireless industry. Since 2005, Wheeler, 67, has been a partner at Core Capital, a technology venture capital company.

On the other hand, Wheeler is not ideologically opposed to regulation. According to Reuters, “In a 2011 blog, Wheeler hinted that he favored a controversial and ultimately shelved merger deal between AT&T and T-Mobile, sparking speculation that he may be open to more consolidation in the wireless industry.”

But some outspoken consumer groups are openly skeptical – to say the least – of Wheeler’s candidacy. Craig Aaron of Free Press said, “The Federal Communications Commission needs a strong leader — someone who will use this powerful position to stand up to industry giants and protect the public interest. On paper, Tom Wheeler does not appear to be that person, having headed not one but two major trade associations.”

That sentiment was echoed by Sascha Meinrath of the New America Foundation who said that he is, “skeptical that the former chief lobbyist of the wireless and cable industries will be capable of holding his former clients accountable for their ongoing shortcomings.”

Nevertheless, some high-profile consumer activists – such as Andrew Schwartzman, formerly head of the Media Access Project and law professor Susan Crawford – have declared their support for Wheeler. In general, the attitude toward Wheeler is one of wait and see.

In his brief remarks, Obama said he chose Wheeler to, “make sure we stay at the cutting edge.” CWA and Speed Matters look to Tom Wheeler, as the public’s advocate, to promote good jobs in the industry and establish and maintain consumer protections.

FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn will serve as acting chairman until Wheeler is confirmed by the Senate.

Statement on Nomination of Tom Wheeler to Head the FCC (CWA news release, May 1, 2013)

Obama to nominate Tom Wheeler as FCC chairman: official (Reuters, Apr. 30, 2013)

Obama to Name Wheeler to Head FCC (The Wall Street Journal, Apr. 30, 2013)

Obama expected to nominate telecom executive Tom Wheeler to chair FCC (Washington Post, Apr. 30, 2013)

FCC chair pick may antagonize Obama supporters (Speed Matters, Apr. 2, 2013)