Pai Names New FCC Consumer Bureau Chief

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau chief Alison Kutler is exiting the FCC, according to the office of agency chair Ajit Pai.

Kutler, who had been bureau chief under former Democratic commissioner Tom Wheeler, will be succeeded by Patrick Webre.

Webre comes from the D.C. law firm of Jenner & Block, but his new stint at the FCC will be a homecoming. He is the former associate chief of the the bureau, as well as chief programs officer. He has also been legal advisor to the chief of the Media Bureau.

“Consumers sit at the core of the FCC’s work, and the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau serves as our primary liaison to them,” said Pai in a statement. “Whether reviewing consumer complaints or developing policies to stop robocalls, CGB works hard to serve the public interest. Patrick’s skill and experience will enable us to continue this important mission.”

Kutler, who is heading to the private sector, will be leaving Friday (April 14), with Webre coming aboard the following Monday (April 17).

John Eggerton

Contributing editor John Eggerton has been an editor and/or writer on media regulation, legislation and policy for over four decades, including covering the FCC, FTC, Congress, the major media trade associations, and the federal courts. In addition to Multichannel News and Broadcasting + Cable, his work has appeared in Radio World, TV Technology, TV Fax, This Week in Consumer Electronics, Variety and the Encyclopedia Britannica.