• March 17, 2005

Kevin Martin, one of the four commissioners who served under departing Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell, has been chosen by President George W. Bush as the agency's next chairman.

Powell is leaving the agency this month after seven and a half years, including four years as chairman. While Powell has often battled with broadcasters over decency standards, these same critics aren't likely to find a reprieve in the form of a Martin-led FCC, as the presumptive successor has often derided his colleagues on the commission for not being "tough enough" when it comes to enforcing rules against broadcast indecency.

--David Kaplan