Congressional Investigation Finds FCC Chair Abused Power

ABC News’ Brian Hartman Reports:  House Democrats have released a scathing assessment of FCC chief Kevin Martin’s tenure at the helm of the agency, just weeks before he loses his chairmanship at the commission when the Obama administration comes to power.

A 110-page report from House Energy and Commerce Committee staff finds, "some of the most egregious abuses of power, suppression of information and manipulation of data under Chairman Martin’s leadership." 

Among the allegations: "Within weeks of becoming chairman in March 2005," according to committee staff interviewed for the report, Kevin Martin ordered FCC staff to rewrite a report that panned "a la carte" cable rules, which would let customers pick and choose which channels they want in a cable subscription package.

A separate 2004 report found "a la carte" would not benefit consumers. Martin allegedly wanted the report to say it would, in fact, benefit consumers.

So the committee alleges Martin ordered FCC staff to rewrite the findings. The staff then struggled with the rewrite because they didn’t believe data supported what Martin wanted the report to say, according to the report.

In response, Martin allegedly yanked the assignment and gave it to more trusted staff who would write what he wanted.

"The outcome of the new report was predetermined and that underlying analysis was micro-managed by the Chairman’s staff as it progressed," the committee staff wrote.

FCC spokesman Robert Kenny issued a statement saying the committee "did not find or conclude that there were any violations of rules, laws or procedures."

Kenny also said "the chairman makes no apologies… for fighting to lower exorbitantly high cable rates that consumers are forced to pay."

The full report can be viewed HERE.