Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Commitment to Civil Rights and Diversity Should Guide Priorities of Next FCC Chair

Media 05.1.13

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Washington – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the nomination of Thomas Wheeler to be the next Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the announcement that Commissioner Mignon Clyburn would serve as Interim Chair:

“The nomination of Tom Wheeler to be the next chair of the Federal Communications Commission presents an important opportunity for the Commission to ensure that U.S. media and telecommunications policy affirms and extends our nation’s longstanding commitment to civil rights. 

Mr. Wheeler’s experience with the 2009 digital television transition demonstrates that he understands the need to work collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders, including the civil rights, consumer, and public interest communities. We are optimistic that this understanding will carry over to his tenure as FCC Chair, and look forward to learning more about his vision for an inclusive Commission that meets the communications needs of all Americans.

We have joined the nation’s leading civil rights and telecommunications organizations to urge President Obama – and we urge Mr. Wheeler as the next FCC Chair – to make sure that the nation’s telecommunications future includes adequate consideration – and commitment to – civil rights and diversity. Below are the principles that we believe must guide the next FCC Chair’s priorities:

  • Apply an understanding of the tremendous overlap between media and telecommunications policies and civil rights in setting the FCC’s agenda.
  • Find creative and practical ways to enhance diversity and inclusion within every aspect of the media and telecommunications industries.
  • Ensure diversity and inclusion throughout the agency itself at all staffing levels and within all divisions of the FCC.
  • Regularly meet and collaborate with organizations representing women, people of color, people with disabilities, and the poor on how to specifically and measurably set and accomplish the policy and institutional goals inherent in these principles.

We also congratulate Commissioner Clyburn on her interim appointment and look forward to working with her on the priorities of the civil and human rights coalition.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.