The longtime rumor appears to have met its end as a true story. Obama confidant, law school buddy and tech adviser before, during and after the campaign will be the next FCC Chairman if confirmed. Genachowski was also the Chief Counsel to former Chairman Reed Hundt of the FCC.
We'll see if the CTO position is announced prior to the Congressional Internet Caucus annual conference on Wednesday. An unnamed Obama tech advisor will speak at the event. (And, it could be that Genachowski repeats his role from last year's conference as the tech policy voice for Obama).
From the Amy Schatz and Co at the WSJ on what we do know:
During the campaign, Mr. Genachowski served as the top technology adviser to Mr. Obama, putting together a detailed technology and innovation plan that expressed support for open Internet or "net neutrality" protections; media-ownership rules that encourage more diversity; and expansion of affordable broadband access across the country.
An early supporter of the president-elect, Mr. Genachowski also served as a bundler for the campaign, raising more than $500,000 in donations.
If confirmed, Mr. Genachowski will take over an agency that has had rocky relations with Congress and major companies in the telecommunications industry under current FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. The agency may also still be coping with the U.S.'s transition to digital-only television, which is scheduled to take place Feb. 17 but could be pushed back to the summer.
While at IAC, Mr. Genachowski served several roles at the media and e-commerce conglomerate, first as general counsel and later as head of business development and part of the top core of executives.
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