WhoRunsGov

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
 

Path To Power

Baker has a rich Texas heritage. Her great-great grandfather, Isaac Van Zandt, was an ambassador for Texas to the U.S., when Texas was its own country. Van Zandt helped negotiate the U.S. annexation of the Lone Star State. Baker's father, Kirby Attwell, was a prominent Houston businessman who was president of Lincoln Liberty Life Insurance, reporting to former Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Texas).

For college, Baker went to Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va., where she earned a degree in journalism and Spanish. In 1990, Baker got a job at the State Department working in the legislative affairs office. After two years, she went back to Texas, attending Houston University law school.

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The Issues

The FCC regulates a variety of communication mediums, which include television, Internet and radio. The commission also allocates broadband wires and approves media ownership.

Net Neutrality

In December 2010, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski unveiled his proposal for net neutrality, which is the principle that Internet service providers (ISPs), mainly telecommunications companies or governments, may not restrict the use of content, sites, platforms, or the kinds of equipment that may be attached to their cable lines.

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The Network

Baker works at the FCC alongside Chair Julius Genachowski (D) and fellow commissioners Mignon Clyburn (D), Michael Copps (D) and Robert McDowell (R).

Baker is married to George H.W. Bush's Secretary of State James Baker's son, James A. Baker IV (Jamie). James Baker also led efforts for the Bush-Cheney ticket during the 2000 Florida recount.

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Campaign Contributions

Baker donated $2,300 to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ.) in 2008, to help fund his presidential campaign.