ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 2, 1997 TAG: 9701020070
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: The Washington Post
James Quello, a 22-year member of the Federal Communications Commission who has been a staunch defender of TV broadcasters in their battles with cable and other media, will not ask the Clinton administration to nominate him for another term.
The 82-year-old Democrat has clashed recently with the administration over the scope of government regulation of the communications industry. In an interview this week, Quello said he would not seek a new term so as to avoid a bruising battle between the White House and his supporters in Congress and industry.
``The fact is that it wasn't worth making an all-out fight for reappointment and cashing in every chip known to man,'' Quello said. ``I'm going to be 83 in April, and I still have 75 percent of my marbles. I think in show business, it's good to leave when you're still wanted.''
It was unclear when Quello actually would leave the commission.
His term formally expired in June 1996, but he has stayed on under rules that are meant to keep the commission whole as the government nominates and confirms a successor. Commissioners are allowed to serve for as long as a year after the congressional session in which their term expires, which could carry Quello through 1997.
``I will serve as long as the administration wants me and until they can find somebody else,'' Quello said.
Communication industry watchers and several trade publications have reported that FCC general counsel William Kennard is the leading candidate to replace Quello.
White House officials would not comment on Quello's plans.
Nominated by President Nixon in 1974, Quello has evolved into an institution at the commission, outlasting chairman after chairman. He is best known as a champion of broadcast TV, which he has depicted as unfairly regulated in a time when new media such as cable TV, satellites and the Internet are cutting into its franchise.
LENGTH: Short : 46 linesby CNB