FCC chief taps media lawyer to head enforcement bureau

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai is appointing a new chief for the agency’s enforcement bureau.

Pai on Wednesday announced his pick, Rosemary Harold, a partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP. According to the firm’s website, Harold specializes in “media, broadband, and First Amendment issues.”

She previously served as an attorney at the FCC under Republican Commissioner Robert McDowell and worked as a reporter before joining the agency.

{mosads}Harold’s current employer, Wilkinson, has a deep bench of lawyers who previously worked at the FCC and represents clients in matters regarding the agency.

“This agency has a critical role to play in enforcing the law to protect consumers and support competition in the communications marketplace,” Pai said in a statement. “Our Enforcement Bureau has been getting back on track in recent months, and I am confident in Rosemary’s ability to continue this progress.”

The enforcement bureau deals with the Communications Act and FCC rules to ensure “consumer protection, robust competition, efficient and responsible use of the public airwaves, and strict compliance with public safety-related rules.” 

Under Obama-appointed Chairman Tom Wheeler, the enforcement bureau hit telecommunications companies with hefty fines over alleged misleading advertising.

Many believe the enforcement bureau will be less aggressive under Pai, who is seen as more friendly to industry interests than his predecessor.