Industry players were swift to issue statements in reaction to the surprise news that Federal Communications Commission commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker is leaving at the beginning of next month to join Comcast/NBCU.
"For the past two years, it's been my privilege to serve with Meredith Baker as the FCC has navigated the communications challenges of the 21st century," said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. "Meredith's wonderful spirit, broad experience and deep policy acumen have made the FCC a more effective agency. She's made our decisions smarter and our policies better. I wish her well in her new role at NBC Universal."
"I wish my friend and colleague, Meredith Attwell Baker, the best on starting a new chapter in her life as she announces that she will be leaving the Commission," said her fellow Republican commissioner, Robert McDowell. "It is a rare honor to be able to serve in a position such as a commissioner of the FCC. It is an unheard of honor, however, to be able to serve with someone whose friendship spans the better part of two decades. I know Meredith will bring the same intellect, diligence and grace to her future endeavors that she brought to the FCC. She will be missed here."
Noted National Association of Broadcasters president Gordon Smith: "With a winning combination of integrity, intellect and experience, Meredith Baker will be a key player for NBCUniversal, and I know that her in-depth knowledge of broadcast issues, deep understanding of the D.C. landscape and strong leadership abilities will make her an important resource for the entire broadcast industry."
Gigi Sohn, president and co-founder of Public Knowledge, was also sorry to see her go. "We were disappointed to learn of the resignation of FCC commissioner Meredith Atwell Baker. We have enjoyed working with her on a variety of issues, and respect her dedication to, and knowledge of the telecommunications industry through her service not only at the FCC, but also at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration."
"Meredith has been a great friend for many years and an outstanding public servant, as she has served with honor and integrity at the FCC and NTIA," said National Cable & Telecommunications Association president Michael Powell. "She deserves enormous credit for her policy leadership during the nation's broadcast digital TV transition. She also always has kept consumers' best interests in mind when addressing the many challenging telecom policy issues that have come before the FCC during her tenure. She will be sorely missed, but I wish her well in the next chapter of her noteworthy career."
