SBCA Congratulates Commissioner Adelstein on FCC Confirmation

Alexandria, Va., Nov. 19, 2004 – The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) today released a statement following the Senate’s confirmation of Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) for a five-year term. The White House announced Adelstein’s nomination Tuesday.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation confirmed Adelstein’s nomination along with several other judicial nominations President Bush asked Congress to clear during a lame-duck session.

 “SBCA congratulates Commissioner Adelstein on his appointment and looks forward to our continued work with him in the future, said Richard DalBello, president SBCA. “We have many important issues facing the satellite consumer industry ahead of us at the FCC and we look forward to the Commission’s continued guidance and support.”

Adelstein has been part of the five-member commission since December 2002 when he was specially appointed to serve the remainder of Commissioner Gloria Tristani’s term. Tristani’s term was set to expire at the end of the 108th Congress this December. Today’s confirmation signals the beginning of Adelstein’s first full term in the FCC. Adelstein, who is originally from South Dakota, has shown great interest in rural issues facing the FCC that are also extremely important to the consumer satellite industry.

Before joining the FCC, Adelstein served in the Senate as a professional staff member to the Senate Special Committee on Aging and as a senior legislative advisor to Senator Tom Daschle for 15 years. Before going into government work, Adelstein was a teaching fellow in the History Department at Harvard University and a teaching assistant in the History Department at Stanford University.

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association is the national trade organization representing all segments of the satellite industry. It is committed to expanding the utilization of satellite technology for the broadcast delivery of video, audio, data, music, voice, interactive, and broadband services. The SBCA is composed of DBS, broadband, satellite radio, and other satellite services providers, content providers, equipment manufacturers, distributors, retailers, encryption vendors, and national and regional distribution companies that make up the satellite services industry. Additional information can be found at www.sbca.com.