Mark S. Fowler

Mark S. Fowler was an American attorney and government official who served as the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission from 1981 to 1987. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he was a leading proponent of deregulation in the broadcasting and telecommunications industries, famously advocating that a television should be treated like a toaster with pictures. His tenure oversaw significant policy shifts, including the elimination of the Fairness Doctrine and the promotion of marketplace competition over government oversight.

Early life and education

Mark S. Fowler was born on October 6, 1941, in Toronto, Ontario, but grew up in Melbourne, Florida. He attended the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism. He continued his studies at the University of Florida College of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor degree. During his time at university, he was actively involved in campus radio, an experience that later informed his perspectives on the media industry.

Career

After law school, Fowler began his legal career in private practice in Florida, focusing on communications law. He later moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as an attorney for the law firm of Browder, Russell, Morris & Butcher. His expertise in broadcast regulation led to his appointment as a legal advisor to Commissioner Robert E. Lee at the Federal Communications Commission in the 1970s. Prior to his FCC chairmanship, he also served as a communications counsel to the Republican National Committee and was a partner at the law firm of Fowler & Meyers.

FCC chairmanship (1981–1987)

Nominated by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the United States Senate, Fowler assumed the chairmanship of the Federal Communications Commission in 1981. His philosophy, often termed the "marketplace approach," sought to reduce the agency's role in content regulation and structural rules. A landmark achievement was the commission's decision to repeal the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, a move championed by fellow commissioner Dennis R. Patrick. Under his leadership, the FCC also eliminated many technical regulations for radio stations, extended broadcast license terms, and facilitated the growth of cable television and cellular telephone services by easing entry barriers. His tenure faced criticism from public interest groups and some members of Congress, including Senator Ernest Hollings, who argued that the policies sacrificed public interest obligations.

Post-government career

Following his service at the Federal Communications Commission, Fowler returned to the private sector. He joined the Washington, D.C. office of the law firm Latham & Watkins as a partner, heading its communications practice. He advised major clients in the telecommunications, media, and satellite industries on regulatory matters. Fowler also served on the board of directors for several companies, including MobileMedia Corporation and Cellular Communications, Inc.. He remained a vocal commentator on communications policy, writing articles and giving speeches that continued to advocate for deregulation and free-market principles in the evolving information age.

Personal life

Fowler married Jane Norris in 1964, and the couple had two children. He was a resident of Alexandria, Virginia for many years. An avid horticulturist, he was a member of the American Rhododendron Society. Fowler died of pneumonia on January 24, 2017, in Alexandria, Virginia. His papers are held in the archives of the University of Florida.

Category:1941 births Category:2017 deaths Category:Chairs of the Federal Communications Commission Category:American communications lawyers Category:University of Florida alumni Category:University of Florida College of Law alumni Category:People from Alexandria, Virginia Category:People from Melbourne, Florida