Appointments to the Federal Communications Commission, 1974-1980

The appointment process for membership on the Federal Communications Commission changed very little during the administrations of Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. Membership on the Commission was not considered of major importance. Many candidates were not overly enthusiastic about joining the commission.;Confirmation hearings before the United States Senate continued to be formalities. Often nominees refused to state their views claiming they had not had time to study the issues. Only nominations made during election years received any scrutiny.;The two administrations approached the appointment process differently. President Ford was not as personally involved in the process as was President Carter and relied more on the recommendations of his advisors. President Carter insisted on getting personally involved in the selection process and interviewed each candidate during his first year in office. During the later years of his administration, President Carter's personal involvement waned. As long as the same party controlled the White House, reappointment was automatic. President Carter did not reappoint members initially appointed by Presidents Nixon and Ford.;The period marked the decline of one group and the rise of another. The citizens/consumer groups were not nearly as active as they had been while Hispanic organizations clamored for a Hispanic Commissioner.;Nominees were selected mainly for their political qualifications. Who someone knew mattered more than what he or she knew. The support of an influential Senator was often crucial. A nominee's background or knowledge of communication issues were of secondary importance. Sometimes candidates had to be of the appropriate sex or race. Only females were considered to succeed females and only blacks were considered to succeed blacks. Overall the quality of the nominees improved.;The 'revolving door' continued as former commissioners began representing regulated interests as soon as their terms expired.;Three recommendations would improve the process: (1) Commissioners would serve one ten year term. (2) Terms would expire only on odd numbered years. (3) No former commissioner would be allowed to represent a regulated interest for two years following his or her term on the Commission.