SBCA Salutes FCC Media Bureau Chief Ken Ferree

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 24, 2005 – The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) today released a statement following Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Media Bureau Chief Ken Ferree’s announcement to leave the FCC in March. This follows FCC Chairman Powell’s departure plans announced Friday.

One of Ferree’s largest contributions at the FCC was advancing the United States transition from an analog television format to digital. This plan, which came to be known as the “Ferree Plan,” has long been supported by SBCA. The plan aimed at having over 85 percent of U.S. television households able to receive a digital signal in the next few years. Completion of the “Ferree Plan” would return analog spectrum to the government for use in upgrading communications equipment for public service entities and for auction to advanced wireless services much in need of additional spectrum.

“With Ken’s assistance this country has made significant strides towards a digital future,” said SBCA President Richard DalBello. “It has been an honor working with Ken and his team and SBCA will greatly miss his direction and out-of-the-box thinking.”

Ferree has served at the FCC since 2001 and was Chairman Powell’s first bureau chief appointment. Originally, Ferree served as head of the FCC’s Cable Bureau that later changed to the Media Bureau which encompasses broadcast, cable, and satellite television under one bureau.

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.