Radio and Records reports that Ken Ferree, the head of the FCC’s Media Bureau, which oversees all television and radio, is stepping down, coincident with Chairman Powell’s departure. A new head to this bureau won’t be appointed until there’s a new FCC chair.
Ferree has been a very loyal lieutenant to Powell, especially on media ownership issues, so his departure will likely mean that the next chair is a little more free to set his/her own agenda on these matters.
Earlier today I heard reports that Kathleen Abernathy, another Republican FCC commissioner, would be ending her term early. She had already stated that this term will be her last. However, Radio and Records reports that “a scurce close to [her]” sort of denies that by saying: “[Commissioner Abernathy] has made no such statement about her future.”