STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN
Re:  In the Matter of Amendment of the Commission’s Ex Parte Rules and Other Procedural Rules, GC 
Docket No. 10-43; In the Matter of Amendment of Certain of the Commission’s Part 1 Rules of 
Practice and Procedure and Part 0 Rules of Commission Organization, GC Docket No. 10-44
When Chairman Genachowski assumed the helm of the agency, he made clear that one of his top 
priorities was to “reboot” the FCC.  These two items fulfill his commitment to improve our processes in a 
manner that benefits the Commission staff, individuals and entities that interact with the Commission, and 
ultimately, consumers.
One of the most important steps the Chairman has taken in seeking to reform our internal 
procedures is to look, well, inward.  Mary Beth Richards and Steve VanRoekel have solicited feedback 
from employees throughout the agency who are intimately familiar with the challenges of keeping things 
running smoothly.  As a result, we were able to identify a number of material measures designed to 
improve and modernize the agency.  
I am particularly interested in receiving comments on our Notice concerning the Commission’s 
ex parte rules.  It is essential that the substance of ex parte presentations are made public in an accessible 
manner.  This is imperative not only for purposes of judicial review, but also to encourage meaningful 
public participation.  If we are serious about increasing transparency – and I believe each of us is – it is 
critical that we give the public a window into the information we receive.  That window must not only 
illuminate exactly what was covered in those meetings, but must also be opened in a timely fashion.  Our 
rules must account equally for sophisticated repeat players and those who are seeking to register input 
with the Commission for the first time.
The Sunshine period is another significant area of inquiry.  I would like to know how commenters 
believe we can best balance our need for information with legitimate concerns about the potential for 
abuse.  While it can be useful for Commission staff to touch base with outside parties during the days 
immediately preceding an important vote, there undoubtedly are valid concerns about the nature and 
disclosure of such contacts.  These are areas worthy of our undivided attention.
I thank the Chairman and his staff, as well as the Offices of the Managing Director and General 
Counsel for producing this thoughtful item.