CABL Forum - FCC Chairman Michael Powell may step down

Election victories this week for President George W. Bush and Republicans in Congress could lead to small changes (or for some significant changes) concerning the regulation of communications services, a topic that's expected to be hot inside the Beltway in 2005.

For starters, there could be key switches at the Federal Communications Commission.

The term for Democratic FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein has expired, and there's talk he may not be reappointed to his position. That may force Adelstein to depart the Portals when Congress adjourns after the lame-duck session set to begin Nov. 16.

Also, some speculate FCC Chairman Michael Powell may step down from his position, despite the fact that Bush appointed him to the top job in 2001. In addition, the term for Republican Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy expired June 30, but it's unclear what will happen with her appointment.

On Capitol Hill, John McCain, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, kept his Senate seat after easily winning re-election in his home state of Arizona. However, McCain must step down from the chairman's job due to term limits. And it's expected Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) will take over the committee's leadership.

There has been talk that some in the Senate, including McCain, want to push telecom issues next year, but it remains to be seen whether Stevens or any other Commerce Committee member will pick up the topic.

In the House, Rep. Joe Barton, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, also won re-election in his district in Texas.

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FCC Chairman Michael Powell may step down