Wheeler Leaving FCC Jan. 20, He Confirms

Chairman Tom Wheeler is leaving the FCC on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, he confirmed Thursday morning before the commissioners' meeting. That would leave the commission with one Democratic member, Mignon Clyburn, who earlier this week told us that she will stay during her term, and two Republicans, Mike O'Rielly and Ajit Pai. That is assuming that Jessica Rosenworcel is not reconfirmed; she is not expected to be.

“Serving as F.C.C. Chairman during this period of historic technological change has been the greatest honor of my professional life," Wheeler said in a statement. "It has been a privilege to work with my fellow Commissioners to help protect consumers, strengthen public safety and cybersecurity, and ensure fast, fair and open networks for all Americans.”

In the minutes after the statement, reactions began pouring in, many praising Wheeler. Wednesday evening, the commission pulled most items to have been considered at the members' meeting Thursday, leaving only one on real-time texting and yanking a controversial one on the emergency alert system. Some of those pulled items had been approved on circulation.