Media Contact: Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0253 mark.wigfield@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC’S NEW OFFICE OF ECONOMICS AND ANALYTICS RELEASES FIRST WORKING PAPER Paper Concludes That Agency Structure Can Improve Economic Analysis WASHINGTON, April 5, 2019—Following through on its commitment to incorporate strong economic analysis and data analytics in its work, the Federal Communications Commission today released its first Working Paper since 2012. The release comes exactly two years after FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced his intention to create a new office to improve economic analysis, better manage data, and research ways to improve policy development. Titled “The Organization of Economists in Regulatory Agencies: Does Structure Matter?”, the paper builds on a working group report that led to the creation of the Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA), which was formally established in December of last year. The Working Paper concludes that organizational consolidation of economists into a single unit, much like the arrangement of the new OEA, can provide more independent and higher quality economic analysis within regulatory agencies. “This Working Paper provides data, analysis, and insights that will strengthen the FCC’s ability to make effective use of OEA economists and analysts,” Chairman Pai said. “With the release of this Working Paper, OEA has established a strong foundation from which to ensure that the economic analysis underlying FCC policies benefits consumers and the economy. Its release also represents an important and concrete step toward building a culture of open inquiry and big-thinking among the agency’s terrific staff.” The Working Paper was written by Jerry Ellig and Catherine Konieczny. Dr. Ellig is former Chief Economist of the FCC and a Research Professor at the Regulatory Studies Center, George Washington University. Ms. Konieczny served as an intern at the FCC, and was assigned to assist Dr. Ellig. She is currently an economist at the Standards Evaluation and Analysis Division, United States Coast Guard. The paper is available at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-356879A1.pdf. ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / TTY: (888) 835-5322 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 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. Cir. 1974).