NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
May 1, 2015 Will Wiquist, 202-418-0509 
                                                                                                     Email: will.wiquist@fcc.gov
CHAIRMAN WHEELER STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF CHARLES BENTON
Washington, D.C. – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler issued the following 
statement today on the passing of Charles Benton:
“Charles Benton dedicated his life to ensuring that our communications networks serve everyone 
regardless of age, race or economic means.  He was among the first to recognize that access to 
communications networks is more than an economic or first amendment issue; it is a social justice issue.  
Through his own Benton Foundation and through his support of communications policy advocacy and 
public media organizations, Charles improved the lives of countless numbers of Americans.  Charles’
distinctive voice and style will be missed here at the FCC, but his legacy will certainly live on.”
- FCC -