People in the news

Meredith Attwell Baker

Outgoing Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (July 2009-June 2011); Incoming Senior Vice President Comcast-NBC (in June 2011)

(FCC)

Why She Matters

For a year, Baker headed the government program that offered $40 coupons to households that needed a converter box in order to switch to digital television. The program went over budget and Congress was forced to delay the TV switch, but Baker wasn't blamed for the problems.

In 2009, Baker joined the FCC as one of two Republicans on the five-person commission. She will help decide FCC policies regarding the regulation of television, Internet and radio. The commission also distributes broadband access to companies and approves media mergers and acquisitions.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Acting director of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (Nov. 2007 to Jan. 2009); Deputy of the NTIA (Feb. 2007 to Nov. 2007); Senior adviser to acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce and head of NTIA (2004 to 2007)
  • Birthday: May 31, 1968
  • Hometown: Houston, TX.
  • Alma Mater: Washington & Lee University, B.A. (journalism and Spanish), 1990; Houston University, J.D., 1994
  • Spouse: James A. Baker IV
  • DC Office: 445 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20554; Phone: (202) 418-2400