Tom Wheeler Confirmed As FCC Chairman, Mike O'Rielly Commissioner

New FCC Chairman

Hours after Sen TED CRUZ lifted a hold on his nomination, the SENATE has confirmed the nomination of TOM WHEELER as Chairman Of The FCC. What's more, SENATE aide MIKE O’RIELLY to the vacant Republican seat on the commission, TVNEWSCHECK.COM reports.

WHEELER succeeds fellow Democrat MIGNON CLYBURN, who has been Interim Chairwoman since the departure of JULIUS GENACHOWSKI.

CRUZ placed a hold on the Senate confirmation vote because he believed WHEELER would impose new disclosure requirements on some political ads, without CONGRESS’ approval. After meeting with WHEELER earlier TODAY, CRUZ's concerns were mollified enough to lift the hold, expediting the nominations of both WHEELER and O'RIELLY.

NAB Pres./CEO GORDON SMITH released the following statement upon their confirmation: "NAB strongly supported the nominations of both TOM WHEELER and MICHAEL O'RIELLY and we are pleased with their confirmation. We also salute the superb job done by MIGNON CLYBURN during her tenure as acting chair.

"Broadcasters look forward to working with a full complement of commissioners in the months and years ahead. Local radio and TV stations will continue our evolution to new distribution platforms, mindful that broadcasting remains an indispensable source of news, entertainment and lifeline information to communities across AMERICA."

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