The makeup of the FCC not only changes with each new presidential administration but seems to be in a constant state of flux year round. The latest commissioner to announce a resignation had been with the agency only two years. Meredith Baxter will resign from the FCC on June 3 to join Comcast-NBC Universal as its senior vice president of governmental affairs, according to the Washington Post. Baker, a Republican joined the FCC in 2009 after working at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under President George W. Bush. Baker oversaw a $1.5 billion coupon program to help consumers make the transition to digital TV. While the NAB seems to feel this is a great move for the broadcast industry, Baker may have a touch time of it because of her vote for the company she will now be working for...
Four months ago, Baker voted to approve the merger between Comcast and NBC Universal. Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that there was any wrong-doing involved in Baker's vote but it does draw suspicion that first she votes for them and then goes to work for them. If I were Baker, I would hold a press conference and set the record straight in order to start with a clean slate...
In her departure statement, Baker said she is "most proud of the work she has done with the FCC on spectrum reform. It is the most important step we can take to ensure our nation's competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected world." Comcast-NBC Universal is happy to have her: "Meredith's executive branch and business experience along with her exceptional relationships in Washington bring Comcast and NBC Universal the perfect combination of skills." ...
Timeline Memories:
1926] The 400 Club: Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators joins Cy Young as the only 400-game winners in baseball history. No other pitcher has come close to that number since and never will. Randy Johnson was the last 300 game (303) winner in 2009. Jamie Moyer, the 48-year old disabled pitcher has won the most games among active pitchers with 267. Moyer hopes to make a comeback in 2012...
1932] Lindbergh baby found: The body of the kidnapped son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh is found in a wooded area near Hopewell (NJ)...
1965] Recorded on this date: "Satisfaction" - Rolling Stones...
1971] Wedding Bells: Mick Jagger & Bianca Perez-Mora rock down the aisle in St. Tropez. The marriage will last until 1979...
1985] Knicks win the lottery: The New York Knicks win the rights to Patrick Ewing in a special drawing, begging the question, was this tainted love for the New York franchise?
1991] Teddy Tribute: With Ted Williams in attendance, Lansdowne Street (outside Fenway Park) is renamed "Ted Williams Way" on the 50th anniversary of his great 1941 season when he became the last .400 hitter in baseball history...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Emilio Estevez (49), Ving Rhames (52), Gabriel Byrne (61), Steve Winwood (63), Billy Swan (69), Burt Bacharach (83) & Yogi Berra (86)...
Timeline Countdown: 18 days until Memorial Day, 38 days until Fathers Day, 41 days until summer & 53 days until July 4th...
