The FCC has released its internal report on possible process reforms and is now looking for some external feedback.
At last week's monthly meeting, Diane Cornell, who headed up the working group that produced the report, outlined its key recommendations, which were primarily to improve accountability, streamline internal review of FCC processes, reduce backlogs, "rework" licensing, modernize consumer complaint procedures, improve the drafting process for policy documents, improve the IT infrastructure and improve Web site functionality.
Among the proposed methods--some 150 proposals--for achieving those aims include putting the text of rules in proposed rulemakings, easier summary disposition of routine items, and encouraging outside parties to provide draft language for findings or orders so they could "succinctly and specifically propose the relief they are seeking from the agency."
FCC chairman Tom Wheeler signaled process reform, in the interests of a more efficient and consumer-friendly agency, as a key priority early in his tenure.
Stakeholders, who have generally applauded the effort, will have until March 31 to weigh in officially.
