Sohn’s FCC Confirmation Hearing-Not Smooth Sailing

By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief

FCC nominee Gigi Sohn (left) and NTIA nominee Alan Davidson testifying The Senate Commerce Committee nomination hearing yesterday for Gigi Sohn, the President’s pick for the open Democratic seat at the FCC, was stormy compared to the relatively calm hearing for Jessica Rosenworcel last month. Rosenworcel is a known quantity to the Hill, having been an attorney for the committee before becoming an FCC Commissioner in 2012. Contrast that with Sohn, a 30-year public interest attorney who was an advisor for former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler and previously led the non-profit advocacy group Public Knowledge. Alan Davidson, nominated to head the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, testified as well. But most of the attention was on Sohn, whose confirmation to the FCC would help secure a Democratic majority at the agency. Continue Reading