Rich Fiscus
5 Feb 2009 17:05
US President Obama and Congressional Democrats have been the subject of much criticism over the DTV transition being delayed until June 12. And to be fair Congressional oversight in the months and years leading up to this point has been less than thorough. But the FCC, whom Congress delegated most of their responsibility to, shares more than a little of the blame. In particular, former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin was responsible for that agency's leadership or lack therof.
After the bill authorizing the delay passed the House of Representatives, FCC commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Robert M. McDowell and acting Chairman Michael Copps shared their thoughts on the situation. All praised Congress for the legislation and agreed that the additional time is important for preparing the public. They also unanimously criticized the inaction of the previous Chair.
Commissioner Adelstein went the furthest, saying "this national transition has been mismanaged and plagued by the lack of a coherent and coordinated strategy. More time was desperately needed to correct the mistakes that many, including leaders in Congress, the Government Accountability Office, and every current member of the FCC, have long raised."
While it's certainly true that Kevin Martin's laissez-faire approach to the transition was criticized by the GAO, the other commissioners haven't exactly been outspoken opponents, at least not publically.
Sure Commissioner McDowell sent a letter to Martin complaining about the situation. But in typical Washington DC fashion he waited until a week before the then-Chairman was scheduled to step down - just a month before the February 17 deadline originally set for the transition. If he, or anyone else who was in office at the time, would like to point fingers they would be well served by stepping in front of a mirror first.