The mystery of Biden’s deadlocked FCC

Decoder with Nilay Patel

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently short a commissioner, and the Biden Administration and Senate Democrats just can't seem to get that seat filled despite having nominated an amazingly qualified person. Her name is Gigi Sohn. The inability to get Gigi confirmed at the FCC has left the commission deadlocked with two Democrats and two Republicans. That means the commission in charge of regulating all telecom in the United States, including how you get your internet service, is unable to get much done. The Biden administration can't accomplish some of its biggest policy priorities like rural broadband and restoring net neutrality. President Biden first nominated Gigi Sohn to the FCC over a year ago, but the full Senate vote to confirm her just hasn't happened. We’ve been digging into the story for a few months now, trying to figure out what's going on here, and we found a simple but really frustrating answer…

Links:

Gigi Sohn Author Profile - The Verge

Comcast trying to “torpedo” Biden FCC pick Gigi Sohn, advocacy group says

The Slime Machine Targeting Dozens of Biden Nominees

Attempted acquisition of Tribune Media by Sinclair Broadcast Group

The Vergecast: Net neutrality was repealed a year ago. Gigi Sohn explains what’s happened since

Confirmation Hearing for FCC and Commerce Department Nominees

Biden signs $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act

Biden Signs Bill to Help Veterans Exposed to Toxic Burn Pits

With the Inflation Reduction Act, the US brings climate goals within reach

Federal Communications Commission v. Pacifica Foundation

Federal Communications Commission v. Pacifica Foundation

A Media Censor for the FCC?

Hyperpartisan Gigi Sohn Doesn’t Belong at the FCC

Gigi Sohn and the Police

Gigi Sohn Facebook Tweet

Tech antitrust pioneer Lina Khan will officially lead the FTC

Confirmation Hearing For FCC Nominee

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel on staying connected during a pandemic

Transcript:

https://www.theverge.com/e/23201559

Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Today’s episode was written and reported by Jackie McDermott.

It was produced by Creighton DeSimone and Jackie McDermott and it was edited by Callie Wright. Additional mixing by Andrew Marino.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Our Editorial Director is Brooke Minters and our Executive Director is Eleanor Donovan.

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