THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION IS BEGINNING TO SEE “NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES” FROM THE ONGOING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.
THAT’S ACCORDING TO CHAIRMAN BRENDAN CARR, WHO SAID TUESDAY THAT AROUND 80 PERCENT OF THEIR EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN FURLOUGHED, AND THAT IS SHARPLY CURTAILING THE AGENCY’S WORK.
THAT INCLUDES A BACKLOG OF LICENSING REQUESTS AND APPROVAL OF NEW CONSUMER ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE.
A REPORT FROM “INSIDE RADIO” SAYS THE FCC SHUTDOWN PLAN STATES THAT 244 OF THE 1,288 TOTAL EMPLOYEES WORKING AT THE FCC, WILL REMAIN ON THE JOB DURING THE SHUTDOWN, INCLUDING AT THE 24-HOUR OPERATIONS CENTER.
CARR SAID HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO USE “CARRYOVER FUNDS” FROM THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR TO ENSURE SOME EMPLOYEES WHO ARE STILL ON THE JOB WILL CONTINUE TO BE PAID.
OTHERS, INCLUDING THE FCC’S OWN NATIONAL SECURITY TEAM, ARE WORKING WITHOUT A PAYCHECK.
Inside Radio/FCC photo
