Timeline: Powell's Tenure at FCC

FCC chairman Michael Powell listens to testimony at a commission meeting in 2003. (Gerald Martineau - The Washington Post)

Washington Post coverage of Michael K. Powell's years leading the Federal Communications Commission (most recent stories first):

FCC Chairman Rebukes ABC For 'MNF' Clip
Nov. 17, 2004: Powell says he is disappointed with ABC for airing a sexually suggestive opening to its "Monday Night Football" telecast.

Howard From Manhattan: Stern Calls In, Blasts FCC Chief
Oct. 26, 2004: Surprise caller Howard Stern ambushes Powell during a San Francisco radio talk show, accusing him of nepotism, racketeering and possible retribution against the ranting shock jock's employer, Infinity Broadcasting, for the phone call.

FCC Proposes Fining CBS Stations $550,000 for Singer's Exposure
July 1, 2004: The FCC determines that singer Janet Jackson's brief breast-baring incident during CBS's broadcast of the Super Bowl halftime show in February was indecent and proposes fining 20 CBS-owned stations a total of $550,000.

FCC Presses Phone Companies
May 29, 2004: Powell inceases pressure on regional telephone giants and their rivals to reach new network leasing agreements in hopes of avoiding sudden price increases for millions of people.

FCC Says Bono Profanity Violated Standards, but Won't Fine NBC
March 18, 2004: The FCC rules that an expletive uttered by rock star Bono during an NBC awards show last year was indecent and profane but refuses to fine the network.

Powell Calls For New Phone Pacts
March 10, 2004: Powell warns of potential disruptions in local phone service for millions of consumers in the wake of a federal court decision that threw out the agency's phone competition rules.

Few Rules Better for Calls On Internet, Powell Says
Feb. 24, 2004: Powell makes his case on Capitol Hill for why a light touch is needed for regulating voice communications over the Internet, arguing that too many rules for the new technology will send jobs overseas.

FCC Is Investigating Super Bowl Show
Feb. 2, 2004: The FCC launches an investigation into Feb. 1's controversial Super Bowl halftime show and Powell telephones Mel Karmazin, president of CBS parent Viacom Inc., to express his outrage, saying the entertainment giant should have known what was going to transpire during the show.

FCC Chief Hopes to Raise Cost of Airing Indecency
Jan. 14, 2004: Powell calls on Congress to raise "by at least tenfold" the dollar amount of fines his agency can impose on radio and television broadcasters who have aired indecent material.