NADLER CALLS POWELL'S COMMENTS INAPPROPRIATE
DEMANDS HE RECUSE HIMSELF IF COMPLAINT IS FILED
Washington, DC -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, Ranking Member of the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement about FCC Chairman Powell's recent comments.
" FCC Chairman Michael Powell's comments on CNBC regarding ABC's Monday Night Football make it abundantly clear that he is less interested in doing his job than he is in becoming the country's chief censor.
"After first stating that, if it received a complaint, the Commission would review the facts fairly, Powell went on to say, ' But, I think it's very disappointing. I wonder if Walt Disney would be proud. '
"This is no different from a judge announcing before a hearing that 'We need to examine the facts that will be presented in this case fairly, but if you ask me, I think this guy is guilty.' Chairman Powell has essentially announced his opinion before a fair and proper examination could be held.
"He cannot now be a fair and impartial judge if a complaint is filed. Chairman Powell needs to rethink the role of the Chairman of an impartial Federal regulatory agency. If this matter makes it's way in front of the Commission, Chairman Powell must recuse himself, because he has shown his inability, or unwillingness, to be impartial and to provide due process in this case."
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