Special Report on the FCC Under Pai Details Controversies and Successes

Less than 10 months into the tenure of Ajit Pai as FCC chairman, areas of controversy and early success are coming into focus. The seven stories in this Communications Daily Special Report: "The Pai Perspective: A Look at the FCC’s New Deregulatory Leadership," chart Pai's path as the first Republican chief of the communications regulator since Kevin Martin left at the end of President George W. Bush's administration in January 2009. These stories are the result of Freedom of Information Act requests, months of reporting and dozens of interviews.

Pai so far has met his promise to keep a busy agenda, often focused on deregulation that draws criticism from Democrats. Commissioner meetings under him had votes on an average of seven items, with controversial meetings on media ownership and net neutrality expected before his first year at the helm (and 2017) ends. Howard Buskirk reports (see 1711050001).

Pai's busy deregulatory agenda means his Democratic colleagues often vote no, or at least partially dissent, from key items. Votes split Republican versus Democrat 10 times this year. Monty Tayloe reports (see 1711070024).

Local government officials are among Pai's biggest critics, as the chairman tries to speed local infrastructure approvals without what some call sufficient state and local involvement. With the FCC moving at what one local politician called a “dizzying pace,” such officials don't want to be left behind and fear that's happening already with the industry-dominated Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee. Adam Bender reports (see 1711060031).

Congressional Democrats also aren't fans of Pai's deregulatory policies, but generally hold him in high personal regard and some see overlapping interests in issues like the digital divide. Republicans praise his rolling back regulations. Pai has “never lied to me and we have the ability to communicate,” said Senate Communications ranking member Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii. Jimm Phillips reports (see 1711070029).

One Pai initiative that has met with bipartisan welcome is releasing before meetings the drafts of all items up for commissioners to vote on. “Good news for good government," said one government-openness advocate. Some worry the practice pressures staff, complicates commissioner negotiations and invites potential objections in court. David Kaut reports (see 1711060006).

Pai's focus on the Hill was reflected in meetings during the first few weeks of his chairmanship. He also spent much time meeting with major companies and associations. Matt Daneman reports (see 1711070005).

Pai was expected to use social media more than his predecessors, and this has played out in some interesting ways. Unlike at other agencies, FCC staff often use Twitter to slam articles critical of the commission. This may not abide by the FCC's own best practices and worries experts of many political stripes, who say a communications regulator shouldn't pass judgment on news content. Jonathan Make reports (see 1709260014).