Kevin Martin is New FCC Chairman

The White House has named FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin as the new chairman today. Martin is a former White House aide who worked for the Bush campaign in 2000. Prior to joining the campaign, Martin was an advisor to FCC Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth.
Current Chairman Michael Powell plans to leave office this week. He, and fellow commissioners congratulated Martin. Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy, who has seen a staff migration lately, is also said to be leaving the commission soon, opening up another seat on the commission.
In a statement, NAB president/CEO Eddie Fritts said, “Kevin Martin is the right person at the right time to lead the FCC. Kevin has a passion for public service and a deep understanding and appreciation for the value of local broadcasting. We salute President Bush for this superb choice, and we look forward to working with Chairman Martin and his colleagues.”
Because Martin is already a commissioner, he does not need Senate confirmation to be chairman, but any other new commissioner would need Senate approval.