FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel Announces Departure

Jessica Rosenworcel, the current chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), announced her intention to step down from her position on January 20, 2023. During her tenure, Rosenworcel prioritised broadband access and equity, spectrum policies, and advocated for network neutrality.

One of her most significant achievements was the establishment of the largest broadband affordability program, connecting over 23 million households to high-speed internet. This initiative, which provided hotspots and devices to over 17 million students affected by the shift to online learning due to the pandemic, has been a cornerstone of her leadership.

Rosenworcel's term also saw the FCC give significant attention to national security and public safety matters related to communications. She was a frequent critic of broadcasters' transition to ATSC 3.0, citing concerns over privacy, consumer protections, and the lack of backward compatibility with 1.0.

In the spring of 2023, Rosenworcel proposed the formation of the "Future of TV" initiative to bring together consumer, manufacturing, broadcast, and related industry advocates. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has sponsored a series of meetings for this initiative, but no report has been issued as of the article's publication.

Rosenworcel's departure from the FCC comes as Republican commissioner Brendan Carr, who was nominated this week, is expected to be approved. Carr has vowed to address free speech issues, a point of criticism against Rosenworcel, who was often criticised for her lack of attention to reigning in Big Tech, particularly over free speech issues.

In her statement, Rosenworcel expressed gratitude to her family for their support during her time at the FCC, mentioning her husband, daughter, son, and rescue pup. She thanked the opportunity to lead the FCC, highlighting the importance of communications technology in civic and commercial life and the need to build a digital future that works for everyone.

Rosenworcel also marked the launch of the first-ever Space Bureau under her leadership at the FCC to support US leadership in the new Space Age. As she looks forward to spending more time with her family, Rosenworcel leaves a lasting legacy at the FCC.

The current candidate designated as the new chairperson of the Federal Communications Commission after Rosenworcel is Brendan Carr. The transition of power is expected to take place soon, marking a new era for the FCC.