Media Contact: 
Katie Gorscak
katie.gorscak@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

CHAIRWOMAN ROSENWORCEL TO RECHARTER COMMUNICATIONS EQUITY AND DIVERSITY COUNCIL  
Council to Continue Diversity and Digital Empowerment Work Under Renewed Two-Year Charter
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WASHINGTON, May 25, 2023—FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today announced that the Commission will re-charter the Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC) for another two-year term.  This Council is charged with providing recommendations to ensure that underserved communities are not denied the wide range of opportunities made possible by next-generation networks without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. Jamila Bess Johnson will remain the Designated Federal Officer for the Council. Chairwoman Rosenworcel issued the following statement in support:

“One of my earliest efforts as Chairwoman of the FCC was to expand the mission and focus of the Communications Equity and Diversity Council beyond traditional media to across the broader technology and communications sector.  Over the past two years, this group has taken that broader charge and run with it:  from holding numerous workshops and symposia with industry and community leaders to producing a diversity and equity report under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that has been an essential resource for states and localities.  That report led to important input in our ongoing proceeding to prevent digital discrimination and also provided valuable research for the Commission’s continuing work to promote digital equity.  

“But we’re just beginning to scratch the surface.  More effort is needed to ensure that a diverse set of voices have a seat at the table in the communications industry, including those who work behind the scenes to ensure that everyone, everywhere can access all that the digital age has to offer.  I want to thank the outgoing CEDC members for identifying problems and promoting solutions.  I look forward to the continuation of the Council with some new perspectives as we work to make meaningful progress on these challenges.” 

On June 24, 2021, Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced that the Commission would re-charter the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment under a new name – the Communications Equity and Diversity Council. The CEDC is a formal federal advisory committee made up of outside experts who meet regularly to provide recommendations to the Commission.  Learn more about the CEDC’s work: https://www.fcc.gov/communications-equity-and-diversity-council.

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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).